Martyr Mohammad-Javad Tondguyan

The Tumultuous Life of Martyr Tondguyan, The Oil Minister Lost in War

News ID: ۳۸۶۳۲۱

چهارشنبه - ۱۹ اسفند ۲۰۲۵ / 2025 19 December

From June 16, 1950, to Oct. 31, 1980, a span of just 30 years: Mohammad-Javad Tondguyan was born in Tehran, went to school, studied petroleum engineering at the Abadan Institute of Technology, joined the struggle against the monarchy, took part in the Islamic Revolution, became oil minister, was captured by the Baathist enemy and ultimately attained martyrdom.

Tondguyan’s 30-year life, which began in Tehran and ended in captivity in Iraq, was marked by many highs and lows. Once imprisoned by SAVAK for his revolutionary activities, he was later taken prisoner by the Iraqis after becoming minister and was martyred in captivity.

This chronicle reviews the most important events of his short but highly influential life in a day-by-day timeline.

June 16, 1950: Born in the Khaniabad neighborhood of Tehran

1957: Entered elementary school

1963: Enrolled at Jafari Eslami high school

1967: Earned a high school diploma. Passed the exam for overseas study scholarships, but his application was rejected due to his religious views and orientation

1968: Admitted to the Abadan Institute of Technology for a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. Active in the Islamic Association of the institute

April 1971: SAVAK’s Abadan office corresponded with the organization’s central headquarters regarding Tondguyan’s activities

1972: Graduated in petroleum engineering with a refining specialization from the Abadan Institute of Technology. Began military service at the Tehran Refinery

September 1973: Married Batoul Borhan Ashkevari in Tehran

November 1973: Transferred from Tehran to Abadan as an engineer-soldier

Oct. 25, 1973: Arrested by SAVAK; imprisoned and tortured for 11 months, including seven months in solitary confinement

October 1974: Released from prison; demoted to private and sent to Shiraz to complete military service

1975: Dismissed from the oil industry due to a “negative record”

1975–1977: Worked at Pars Toshiba (Pars Khazar) as production manager

1977: Admitted to a master’s program in industrial management at the Iran Management Studies Center

1978: Earned a master’s degree and returned to Pars Toshiba

February 1979–December 1979: Appointed CEO of Pars Toshiba following the victory of the Islamic Revolution

December 1979: Returned to the oil industry as deputy head of the Abadan Refinery; served as the oil minister’s representative in the southern regions

July 1980–September 1980: Appointed CEO of the National Iranian South Oilfields Company by Ali-Akbar Moinifar

Sept. 25, 1980: Chosen as oil minister in the government of Martyr Mohammad-Ali Rajaei, winning 155 votes out of 176 in Parliament

Oct. 31, 1980: Captured on the Mahshahr–Abadan road during his third trip to the city as oil minister amid the Iran-Iraq war

The exact date of his martyrdom is unknown, but evidence indicates that Martyr Tondguyan was alive until after the liberation of Khorramshahr.

Dec. 18, 1991: Funeral procession held in the holy shrines in Iraq

Dec. 20, 1991: Return of Martyr Tondguyan’s remains to Iran; funeral and burial at Behesht Zahra Cemetery in Tehran