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.