72 Years Later: US Intrigues Against Iran Persist Since the 1953 Coup

The 1953 coup in Iran, supported by the United States and orchestrated alongside British intelligence, had profound implications for the nation’s political landscape and its perception of Western powers. This event not only reshaped Iran’s internal dynamics but also marked a pivotal moment in the broader context of international relations, particularly regarding imperialism and control over resources.

The coup was primarily driven by the desire to safeguard British oil interests in Iran, especially following the nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company by Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. This move was a significant turning point in Iranian history, reflecting a growing sentiment against foreign exploitation of national resources.

The Nationalization Movement

The nationalization of the Iranian oil industry was a direct response to extensive foreign concessions made by both the Qajar and Pahlavi Shahs. The movement emerged from the Iranian parliament, spearheaded by Mossadegh when he was a member of the legislature. Key events leading up to the coup include:

• In 1941, British and Soviet forces invaded Iran, toppling the Pahlavi king, Reza Shah, and replacing him with his son, Mohammad Reza Shah.
• The anti-colonial oil nationalization movement gained momentum during the early years of the second Pahlavi Shah’s reign.
• Various political factions rallied around the oil movement, which grew increasingly powerful in the post-World War II era.

As tensions escalated, the United States began to align itself with the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, all vying for control over Iran’s vast oil reserves. During this period, a prominent cleric, Ayatollah Abol-Ghasem Kashani, emerged as a leader of the popular movement against foreign intervention, supporting the democratically elected government of Premier Mossadegh.

The Days Leading Up to the Coup

The coup plot unfolded over five critical days from August 15th to 19th, involving the CIA and British intelligence (MI6) in a covert operation aimed at destabilizing Mossadegh’s government. Key actions included:

• Disinformation campaigns to undermine Mossadegh’s popularity.
• Military strategies to install Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as the absolute ruler.
• Support for protests orchestrated by intelligence operatives to sway public opinion.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the coup, which was known as Operation Ajax. The CIA played a pivotal role, utilizing agents to incite unrest in Tehran and releasing known criminals to create chaos. During the coup, violent confrontations between Mossadegh’s supporters and pro-Shah forces led to numerous casualties.

Ultimately, the coup, referred to as Operation Boot in the UK, reinstated the Pahlavi dynasty and ushered in a period of severe repression for the Iranian populace that lasted for 26 years.

Consequences of the Coup

Following the success of the coup, the Shah returned to Iran and swiftly dismissed Mossadegh, appointing General Fazlollah Zahedi as the new prime minister. The decrees legitimizing the coup played a crucial role in establishing the Shah’s authority. The aftermath included:

• Mossadegh’s arrest and subsequent trial for treason, resulting in a three-year prison sentence followed by lifelong house arrest.
• Imprisonment and execution of several Mossadegh supporters.

In a significant policy shift, the young Shah, with backing from the US and Britain, rejected the nationalization of the oil industry, leading to the negotiation of the 1954 Consortium Agreement. This agreement reinstated foreign control over Iranian oil until the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Legacy of the 1953 Coup

Today, it is widely recognized that the 1953 coup laid the groundwork for the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which ultimately led to the Shah’s overthrow. Despite the revolution eliminating US influence in Iran, the United States continued its efforts to undermine the revolutionary government through various means, including:

• Military interventions, such as Operation Eagle Claw.
• Support for anti-revolutionary factions and the regime of Saddam Hussein.
• Imposition of long-lasting sanctions that persist today.

The US intervention in Iran exemplifies a recurring theme in American foreign policy, which often seeks to destabilize governments that resist subservience to US interests. According to the Military Intervention Project (MIP), the US has conducted nearly 400 military interventions since its inception in 1776.

This historical perspective on the 1953 coup in Iran serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between national sovereignty, foreign interests, and the long-lasting repercussions of international interventions.