Mohsen Fakhrizadeh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh
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| محسن فخریزاده | |
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| Born |
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh Mahabadi
محسن فخریزاده مهabadi 1958 Qom, Iran
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| Died | 27 November 2020 (aged 61–62) Absard, Damavand, Iran
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| Cause of death | Gunshot wounds during assassination |
| Alma mater |
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| Occupation | Nuclear physicist |
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| Spouse(s) | Sediqeh Qasemi |
| Children | 3 |
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| Military career | |
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Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps |
| Years of service | c. 1979–2020 |
| Rank | Brigadier general |
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh Mahabadi (Persian: محسن فخریزاده مهابادی FA-kh-REE-zadeh) was an Iranian scientist. He was a nuclear physicist, which means he studied the tiny parts that make up atoms. He was known as the leader of Iran's nuclear program.
After he passed away, the Iranian government stated that in 2020, he helped create COVID-19 testing kits. He also worked on a vaccine to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was born in Qom, Iran, in 1958. After the Iranian revolution in 1979, he joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He studied at Shahid Beheshti University. Later, he earned his PhD from the University of Isfahan.
Career as a Scientist
Starting in 1991, Fakhrizadeh worked as a physics professor. He taught at Imam Hossein University.
He led a group called the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research. He also worked on something known as the Green Salt Project. Because of his work with Iran's nuclear program, the United Nations Security Council and the United States froze his money and property in the mid-2000s.
In the early 2010s, he started and led the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research. The United States believed this group did research that could be used for nuclear weapons. Iran has always said its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes. In 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Fakhrizadeh was in charge of the AMAD Project.
Personal Life
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was married and had children. He had a special security team to protect him. He lived in a safe, protected area. Even though he was very important, he kept a very private life.
His Death
On 27 November 2020, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed in an attack. This happened in Absard, Iran, during a road ambush. The Iranian government called this killing an act of "state terror." His death caused more tension in the region. After this event, the Iranian parliament passed a new law. This law aimed to stop inspections of Iran's nuclear program.
Funeral and Remembrance
Soon after he died, state media announced his body would be taken on a special journey. First, it went to Imam Reza Shrine for blessings. Then, it went to Fatima Masumeh Shrine. Finally, it was brought to Tehran to visit the Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini. On 30 November, Fakhrizadeh was buried. He had a state funeral with full military honours at Tehran's Imamzadeh Saleh.
Protests and Tributes
After Fakhrizadeh's death, protests happened outside government buildings in Tehran. People burned US and Israeli flags. They also burned pictures of Trump and Biden. Protesters called for strong action against the United States.
Banners were also put up to honour him. Iranian state media has announced that several TV shows are being made about Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.
Images for kids
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With Amir Hatami, Minister of Defense of Islamic Republic of Iran
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Fakhrizadeh (far left) speaking with minister of defense Brigadier Hatami
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Fakhrizadeh speaking
See also
In Spanish: Mohsen Fajrizadeh para niños
