CIA and MI6 Overthrow Mossadegh in Iran
August 19th, 1953
August 19th, 1953

How Long Ago?
71 years, 6 months, 24 days ago
Location
Tehran, Iran
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Winston Churchill
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
- Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
- Mohammad Mosaddegh
- Kermit Roosevelt
Links & References
- Cold War
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Mohammad Mosaddegh
- Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
- MI6
- Shah
- 1953 Iranian coup d'état
Tags
CIA and MI6 Overthrow Mossadegh in Iran
On August 19, 1953, the CIA and MI6 orchestrated a coup in Iran, toppling Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. This covert operation, codenamed Operation Ajax, was primarily motivated by concerns over oil nationalization and Cold War geopolitical strategy. The coup reinstated Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to power, altering Iran's political landscape and creating long-term ramifications for U.S.-Iran relations.
U.S. and UK acted against Mosaddegh’s policies.
The operation was known as Operation Ajax.
Reinstated the Shah after his initial exile.
Fueled long-term anti-American sentiments in Iran.
What Happened?
The events leading to the coup d'état in Iran began with the nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in 1951 under Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, which inflamed tensions between the Iranian government and British interests. The British government, fearing the loss of their oil revenue and geopolitical influence, sought to undermine Mosaddegh's government. Consequently, they enlisted the help of the United States, which was also concerned about the potential spread of communism in Iran amidst the Cold War. This collaboration culminated in 1953 with the execution of Operation Ajax, a covert plan devised by the CIA with the assistance of MI6.
On the day of the coup, widespread protests and demonstrations were mobilized against Mosaddegh, supported by both the United States and British intelligence operatives. The operation involved a mixture of propaganda, bribery, and orchestrated violence, leading to the eventual armed confrontation between forces loyal to Mosaddegh and those supporting the Shah. By the end of the day, Mosaddegh had been deposed, and the Shah returned to power, which marked a significant turning point in Iranian history.
This coup not only restored the Shah’s authoritarian regime but also set the stage for decades of political instability in Iran. The United States and United Kingdom’s involvement deepened anti-Western sentiments among Iranians, laying the groundwork for future conflicts, particularly the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Why Does it Matter?
The coup in Iran is significant for its lasting impact on U.S.-Iran relations and the political landscape of the Middle East. It set a precedent for U.S. intervention in the region and contributed to a legacy of mistrust between the Iranian government and Western powers. The overthrow of Mosaddegh is often cited as a critical moment that fueled anti-American sentiment in Iran, ultimately leading to the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
Discover More Historic Events from August 19th
Atlantic Salmon Escape from Cypress Island Pens
Tens of thousands of farmed Atlantic salmon were accidentally released from a net pen owned by Cooke Aquaculture in Washington's Puget Sound. The break occurred due to a severe weather event, leading to concerns about the impact of these non-native fish on local ecosystems. The escape posed risks to the native salmon population and other marine life in the area, triggering a significant response from environmental agencies.
Continue ReadingDhamara Ghat Train Accident Claims 37 Lives
A tragic train accident occurred in the Dhamara Ghat region of Bihar, India, resulting in at least 37 fatalities. The train derailed and collided with a bus, leading to significant casualties and injuries among passengers. The incident highlighted safety concerns in India's railway system and prompted investigations into the cause of the crash. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, providing much-needed assistance to the wounded and bereaved families.
Continue ReadingEnd of Operation Iraqi Freedom
The last of the United States brigade combat teams crossed from Iraq into Kuwait, officially marking the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This transition followed nearly seven years of military operations aimed at toppling Saddam Hussein's regime and stabilizing the region. It represented a significant shift in U.S. military presence as the United States aimed to foster Iraqi sovereignty. The withdrawal came amid ongoing discussions about the future of Iraq and the presence of American troops.
Continue ReadingCoordinated Bombings in Baghdad's Heart
A series of coordinated bombings struck Baghdad during the morning rush hour, primarily targeting government buildings, killing 101 people and injuring over 565 others. The attacks involved multiple car bombs and were designed to maximize casualties. The explosions rocked the city center, causing significant structural damage and chaos among civilians and officials alike. This incident marked one of the deadliest days in Iraq in 2009, underscoring the ongoing instability and violence in the country as it transitioned from conflict to recovery. Security forces were overwhelmed as emergency services rushed to aid the victims amidst the devastation.
Continue ReadingFirst Joint Military Exercise of Russia and China
Peace Mission 2005 commenced with military forces from Russia and China participating in joint exercises in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Engaging troops focused on counter-terrorism scenarios, aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation amid increasing regional security concerns. This marked a significant deepening of military ties between the two nations.
Continue ReadingGoogle's Initial Public Offering on Nasdaq
Google Inc. launched its initial public offering on Nasdaq, marking a significant milestone in the tech industry. The company was offered at a price of $85 per share, and it raised approximately $1.67 billion, positioning itself as a major player in the market. This IPO received considerable attention, both for the company's innovative business model and the unique auction process used to allocate shares. Google's co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, played pivotal roles in this event, setting the stage for the company's growth trajectory in the years to come.
Continue Reading