The 1953 Iranian Coup d'état

Name: The 1953 Iranian Coup d'état
Start: 1953-08-20
Location: Unspecified

Background of the 1953 Iranian Coup d'état

The 1953 Iranian Coup d'état, known as Operation Ajax, marked a crucial turning point in Iran's history and had lasting impacts on its political landscape. This event was a covert operation initiated by the United States and the United Kingdom, aimed at orchestrating the removal of the democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh, due to his nationalization of the Iranian oil industry which posed a significant threat to Western oil interests.

Mosaddegh and His Policies

Mohammad Mosaddegh served as Prime Minister from 1951 until the coup in 1953. He was a prominent nationalist leader who sought to minimize foreign influence and promote Iranian sovereignty. His most contentious act was the nationalization of the oil industry, which had been dominated by British interests for decades. This decision sparked tensions both domestically and internationally, as it was met with strong opposition from Western powers.

Growing Tensions and Political Strife

As tensions between Mosaddegh’s government and Western powers escalated, internal unrest grew within Iran. Factions supportive of the Shah, leaders from the military, and conservative groups emerged, hoping to capitalize on the growing discontent regarding Mosaddegh's leadership. These elements set the stage for a coup orchestrated with the support of the CIA and MI6.

The Execution of the Coup

On August 19, 1953, the coup was executed. General Fazlollah Zahedi, backed by foreign intelligence, led the charge against Mosaddegh. The operation was marked by urban unrest as anti-Mosaddegh factions clashed with pro-government supporters, ultimately leading to the overthrow of Mosaddegh.

General Fazlollah Zahedi's Role

General Fazlollah Zahedi was pivotal in the coup. Following the overthrow of Mosaddegh, Zahedi was installed as Prime Minister and aimed to restore the powers of the Shah, reversing many of the nationalist reforms put in place by Mosaddegh.

Aftermath and Impact on Iran

The aftermath of the coup saw a significant increase in the Shah's autocratic power, which would lead to widespread dissatisfaction among the Iranian populace. This dissatisfaction culminated in the Iranian Revolution of 1979, resulting in the overthrow of the Shah, and establishing an Islamic Republic. Thus, the 1953 coup played a fundamental role in shaping Iran's political future.

Fun Fact

The Hidden History of Operation Ajax

For decades, the U.S. government's involvement in the coup remained classified. It wasn't until the early 2000s that official documents affirming the CIA's role were declassified, confirming long-held suspicions regarding foreign intervention in Iranian politics.