Chapter 1: The 1953 Coup — When America and Britain Overthrew Iran's Democracy
In 1953 the CIA and MI6 toppled Iran's elected prime minister Mohammad Mosaddegh to protect Western oil interests and restore the Shah. This one event poisoned US-Iran relations for generations.
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In 1950s Iran, Prime Minister Mosaddegh, a democratic leader, nationalized oil, cutting British profits. Britain was furious.
Britain convinced the CIA Mosaddegh was a communist threat. Operation Ajax: a covert plan to overthrow a democratic leader.
August 1953: CIA-funded mobs and military officers seized Tehran. Mosaddegh was arrested in his pajamas. Democracy crumbled.
The Shah returned as absolute ruler. Western oil companies regained control. Democracy was crushed, replaced by autocracy.
The Shah ruled with secret police and torture. America and Israel became his close allies, providing weapons and training.
1953 became an unhealed wound. Iranians remembered America's betrayal, a grievance festering for 26 years.
The US, Israel, and the Shah formed a powerful alliance. But seeds of revolution were planted. Blowback was inevitable.
