Unraveling the 1953 Coup: The Turbulent Role of Oil in Iran’s History

In his comprehensive four-volume work titled “A Troubled Sleep of Oil,” renowned Iranian historian and analyst Mohammad-Ali Movahhed delves into the intricate history of Iran’s oil industry. This meticulously documented narrative offers readers an insightful look into the political, legal, and economic factors that have shaped Iran’s modern oil landscape.

Published by Karnameh Publication, the first volume spans from the D’Arcy Concession to the fall of Reza Shah, providing a thorough examination of the contracts, negotiations, and legal frameworks that laid the foundation of Iran’s oil regime. The subsequent volumes further explore the national movement led by Mohammad Mosaddegh and the Iranian National Movement, elucidating the political and economic dynamics that led to the nationalization of the oil industry and its ensuing consequences.

The fourth volume critically analyzes the period following the 1953 coup up to the fall of Zahedi, highlighting the interplay of external interference, internal power struggles, and oil policy that redefined Iran’s political economy. Movahhed emphasizes the significance of subtle diplomatic maneuvers and contractual intricacies, arguing that these micro-level processes illuminate the macro-level transformations in Iran’s governance and development.

This four-volume series is particularly valuable for readers with a scholarly or policy-oriented interest in Iran’s oil history. Its structure allows for a comprehensive assessment of how the overarching arguments hold up across various eras and topics.

Key Features of “A Troubled Sleep of Oil”

• In-depth Analysis: The series provides a thorough analysis of Iran’s oil history through a legally informed lens.
• Focus on National Movement: It details the nationalization movement led by Mosaddegh and the political dynamics of the time.
• Critical Insights: The work offers critical insights into the role of foreign powers in shaping Iran’s oil policies.
• Scholarly Approach: The narrative is well-suited for scholars, students, and professionals in fields such as energy policy, international law, and Middle East studies.

Movahhed’s extensive research highlights the complex relationship between oil policy and international negotiations, demonstrating how these factors have significantly influenced Iran’s political economy and, ultimately, the fate of the nation. The series serves as a vital resource for those interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of oil economics and political change in Iran.

The Historical Context of Iran’s Oil Industry

The narrative begins in 1901 with William Knox D’Arcy, a British investor, who received a sixty-year concession from Mozzafar al-Din Shah Qajar to exploit Iranian oil. This concession paved the way for the discovery of oil in Masjed Soleiman, Khuzestan, in 1907, marking the first significant oil discovery in West Asia and the southern Persian Gulf. Shortly thereafter, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company was established to produce and export Iranian oil.

During his reign, Reza Shah, the first Pahlavi king, sought to amend the concessions granted by his Qajar predecessors. While he canceled the D’Arcy Concession in 1932, the subsequent 1933 oil concession remained unfavorable to Iran. This triggered widespread discontent among Iranians, who demanded a larger share of oil revenues while Britain aimed to maximize its control over Iranian resources.

The Rise of Nationalization

The 1933 agreement extended the concession for another sixty years, igniting outrage that fueled the 1951 nationalization movement. Following the ratification of this agreement, Reza Shah received significant funds in a London bank account, while Iran’s share was utilized by him and his close associates. This era also saw fierce competition between Britain and Russia for control over Iran’s rich resources.

The movement to nationalize the Iranian oil industry emerged as a direct response to the concessions made to foreign powers during both the Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties. Spearheaded by lawmaker Mohammad Mosaddegh, who would later become Iran’s prime minister, the movement sought to reclaim Iran’s sovereignty over its oil resources.

In 1941, British and Soviet troops invaded Iran, resulting in the deposition and exile of Reza Shah. Iran remained under Allied occupation until 1946, during which time the anti-colonial oil nationalization movement gained significant traction, spearheaded by leaders such as Ayatollah Abol-Ghasem Kashani.

The 1953 Coup and Its Aftermath

The post-World War II weakness of Mohammad Reza Shah’s regime further empowered the oil nationalization movement as various political factions gained influence. The August 19, 1953 coup was primarily driven by a desire to protect British oil interests, particularly after Mosaddegh’s nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.

Orchestrated by the US CIA and the British MI6, the coup aimed to overthrow the democratically elected Mosaddegh government and restore the Shah as the sole ruler of Iran. The coup plot unfolded over five days, involving disinformation campaigns and military actions to undermine Mosaddegh’s government.

Following the success of the coup, the Shah reversed the nationalization efforts and negotiated the 1954 Consortium Agreement with Western oil companies, which effectively returned Iranian oil ownership to foreign entities until the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Many historians agree that the 1953 coup sowed the seeds for the subsequent Islamic Revolution, which ultimately led to the Shah’s downfall.

Even after the Islamic revolution, which eliminated US presence in Iran, the legacy of these pivotal events continues to shape Iran’s political and economic landscape.

In conclusion, “A Troubled Sleep of Oil” is a profound exploration of Iran’s modern oil history, offering a unique perspective on how oil policy and international relations have influenced the nation’s trajectory. The work is highly recommended for anyone interested in the intricate interplay between energy resources and political power in Iran.

Reported by Tohid Mahmoudpour