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.