The Hezb-e Tudeh Iran or 'Party of the Masses of Iran' is an Iranian communist party. Formed in 1941; with Soleiman Mohsen Eskandari as its head; it had considerable influence in its early years and played an important role during Mohammad Mosaddeq's campaign to nationalize the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and his term as prime minister.

The crackdown that followed the 1953 coup against Mosaddeq is said to have 'destroyed' the party; although it still continued to operate clandestinely. The party still exists; but is much weaker as a result of the banning of the party and mass arrests by the Islamic Republic in 1982 and the executions of political prisoners in 1988. Pictures From History Pictures From History