The 1953 Coup: Overthrow of Iran's Prime Minister Mosaddegh

Name: The 1953 Coup: Overthrow of Iran's Prime Minister Mosaddegh
Start: 1882-08-19
Location: Unspecified

The Coup That Changed Iran: A Look at the 1953 Events

In August 1953, Iran witnessed a pivotal event that would forever alter its political landscape — the overthrow of its democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh. This covert operation was orchestrated by the United Kingdom and the United States, marking one of the first instances of Western powers intervening directly in the affairs of a sovereign nation.

The Rise of Mohammad Mosaddegh

Mohammad Mosaddegh, who became the Prime Minister in 1951, was known for his nationalist policies, particularly his efforts to nationalize the Iranian oil industry, previously controlled by British interests. His policies sparked both widespread support among the Iranian populace and vitriol from foreign entities that had significant investments in the region, primarily Britain.

Operation Boot: The UK’s Role

Operation Boot was the codename assigned by the British government to the project aimed at returning the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to power. British interests were heavily threatened by Mosaddegh’s actions, prompting them to collaborate with American intelligence in a bid to manipulate the political situation in favor of the Shah.

The TPAJAX Project: America’s Involvement

In conjunction with the British, the United States developed the TPAJAX Project, aimed at orchestrating a coup d'état in Iran. Under the directive of CIA director Allen Dulles, this operation enlisted the help of local anti-Mosaddegh factions to destabilize the Prime Minister’s government.

The Execution of the Coup

On August 19, 1953, the coup was successfully executed. Armed clashes erupted in Tehran, and the streets were filled with supporters of the Shah and anti-Mosaddegh forces. Intensive efforts by CIA agents to sway public opinion led to the eventual arrest of Mosaddegh, who would spend the rest of his life under house arrest.

The Aftermath of the Overthrow

Following the coup, the Shah ruled Iran with an authoritarian grip until the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The immediate aftermath saw significant political repression, and many of Mosaddegh’s policies were rolled back. The coup left a lasting scar on Iranian-American relations and is often cited as a major factor in contemporary anti-Western sentiments in Iran.

Fun Fact: Mosaddegh's Legacy

Mohammad Mosaddegh: A Symbol of Resistance

Even years after his overthrow, Mohammad Mosaddegh has remained a revered figure for many in Iran and symbolically represents the struggle for sovereignty and independence from foreign intervention.