The Story of a Dramatic Coup: Overthrowing of the Mossadegh Government in Iran in 1953

Abstract

Iran was one of the first conflict areas between United States and Soviet Union after World War II. Soviet efforts to settle in Iran was prevented by the determined support of the US and this started close relations with Iran. However problems with UK and Anglo-Iranian Oil Company ( AIOC ) turned into opposition against the West which resulted in the foundation of the National Front under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh. Mossadgh?s decision to nationalize Iranian Oil Industry brought Iran and UK to the brink of war. Fearing that a direct military operation would give excuse to the Soviet to intervene, US planned a military coup with UK, in order to topple Mossadegh administration and replace it with a more cooperative goverment. With a coup organized by CIA, Mossadegh was overthrown from power and Army Chief of Staff Zahedi was made Prime Minister. Finally, the use and operation of Iranian Oil was given to a consortium which included American Oil Companies. The coup against Mossadegh, who was popularly elected, brought distrust against the West and US and led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.