Riahi was born in Chaleshtar in 1911.[citation needed] He graduated from the Academy of Arts in Tehran.[2] Then he attended the officer's college and was sent to France for further studies in mechanics and military sciences together with a group of students.[2] Following graduation he joined the Imperial Army.[2] In 1952 he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.[2]
The operation, the secret history says, "still might have succeeded in spite of this advance warning had not most of the participants proved to be inept or lacking in decision at the critical juncture." Dr. Mossadegh's chief of staff, Gen. Taghi Riahi, learned of the plot hours before it was to begin and sent his deputy to the barracks of the Imperial Guard. The deputy was arrested there, according to the history, just as pro-shah soldiers were fanning out across the city arresting other senior officials.
Although Riahi was sentenced to death, he was released from the prison after three years.[2] Then he involved in business.[2]