Freedom Movement of Iran

Founded 17 May 1961 by Mehdi Bazargan, Mahmoud Taleghani, and Yadollah Sahabi as a religiously oriented offshoot of the National Front. Oldest political party still active in Iran. Self-describes as "Muslims, Iranians, Constitutionalists and Mossadeghists." Members of the Freedom Movement formed the core of the provisional government after the 1979 revolution, with Bazargan as prime minister. Barred from elections since 1980 (with a brief exception in 2003 local elections). Despite being effectively outlawed, continues to exist as a "barely tolerated" opposition force. Splinter groups include the Mojahedin-e Khalq (1965) and the Council of Nationalist-Religious Activists (2000).