Operation Ajax: CIA Oil Coup in Iran - COLD WAR

Summary

This episode of 'The Cold War' delves into Iran's turbulent post-1945 political landscape, focusing on Mohammad Mossadegh's tenure and his contentious relationship with Western powers. It explores Mossadegh's push for oil nationalization, the subsequent economic crisis, and the 1953 coup orchestrated by Western intelligence agencies. The narrative underscores the impact of foreign intervention on Iran's political trajectory and the lasting resentment it fostered among Iranians.

Takeaways

• 😀 Iran's post-1945 political landscape was marked by a struggle for influence among various groups, including Western and Soviet forces.
• 👑 Mohammad Reza Shah sought to consolidate power by reducing government dependence on Parliament and increasing his own direct control.
• 🔫 An assassination attempt on the Shah in 1949 was used as a pretext to crack down on opposition, including the banning of the Tudeh Party and the expansion of the Shah's powers.
• 📊 The Seven Year Plan aimed to alleviate rural poverty and boost agricultural output but was ultimately unsuccessful due to misappropriation of funds.
• 📉 The nationalization of Iran's oil industry under Mohammad Mossadegh led to a significant drop in oil production and economic hardship.
• 🇬🇧 The British response to nationalization included economic sanctions, freezing of Iranian assets, and a refusal to accept a 50-50 profit-sharing proposal.
• 🤝 Despite initial support, the United States eventually sided with Britain against Mossadegh, contributing to a covert operation to remove him from power.
• 🗳️ Elections during this period were fraught with controversy, including allegations of fraud, interference, and the jailing of political opponents.
• 🚨 The 1953 coup, known as Operation Ajax, resulted in Mossadegh's removal and the installation of a pro-Western government, which had long-term consequences for Iran's political trajectory.
• 🌐 The events in Iran demonstrated the West's willingness to engage in covert regime change to protect its interests, setting a precedent for future Cold War interventions.

Q & A

What was the significance of the 1947 parliamentary elections in Iran?

The 1947 parliamentary elections were significant as they were one of the first tests of Iran's pluralism in the post-war period. Prime Minister Ahmad Gavam won 73 seats, while pro-Mossadegh forces won 25, and the leftist opposition only 2, which led to accusations of election rigging.

How did the assassination attempt on Mohammad Reza Shah in 1949 impact Iran's political landscape?

The assassination attempt on Mohammad Reza Shah in 1949 led to the declaration of martial law, the banning of the Tudeh Party, and the arrest of its leadership. It also provided an opportunity for the Shah to expand his powers through the passage of the Seven Year Plan and the formation of a Constituent Assembly to reexamine the Constitution.

What was the goal of the Seven Year Plan passed by the Majlis in 1949?

The goal of the Seven Year Plan was to fight rural poverty and boost agricultural output, with the belief that it would win over the poor and prevent them from succumbing to pro-Soviet influence. However, it was ultimately unsuccessful as funding was redirected to industrial bailouts and new rail lines.

What was the National Front, and what were its key objectives?

The National Front was a coalition of parties led by Mohammad Mossadegh, formed after a protest in 1949. It generally favored more democracy, civil liberties, and a functional constitutional government. Critically, it was against foreign exploitation of Iran's natural resources, specifically oil.

Why was Mohammad Mossadegh selected as Prime Minister in 1951?

Mohammad Mossadegh was selected as Prime Minister in 1951 following the assassination of Haj Ali Razmara, the Prime Minister-elect and an opponent of oil nationalization. Mossadegh was seen as a figure who could potentially resolve the nationalization issue and was popular for his stance on the matter.

What was Fadaiyan-e-Islam, and how did it influence Iranian politics during this period?

Fadaiyan-e-Islam was an Islamist organization founded in 1946 that sought to bring a more fundamentalist practice of Islam to Iran in response to growing foreign influence. It drew support from economically disadvantaged youth and was an early influence on religious terrorist organizations. Its spiritual leader, Abol-Qasim Kashani, supported the nationalization of the oil industry, leading to a temporary alliance with Mossadegh.

What was the impact of the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry on oil production?

The nationalization of the Iranian oil industry led to a significant drop in oil production. Iran's oil industry was highly reliant on British equipment and expertise, and the lack of a fleet of tankers made it difficult to transport oil to markets. The Abadan oil field was brought to a halt, and the British sanctions further exacerbated the economic impact.

How did the United States and Britain respond to Iran's nationalization of the oil industry?

The United States initially favored supporting Iran but eventually sided with Britain due to reliance on British support for the Korean conflict. Britain refused Mossadegh's proposed 50-50 profit-sharing scheme and began planning for the removal of Mossadegh and his supporters from power.

What were the consequences of the 1953 coup against Mossadegh, and how did it shape Iran's future?

The 1953 coup against Mossadegh resulted in the reversal of the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry, with the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company's monopoly being broken up and several Western oil companies entering the market. It cemented a pro-Western direction for Iran but also soured support for the West among the Iranian people. The Shah assumed governance for the next 26 years, but the failure of democracy and dictatorial rule set Iran on a path to catastrophic change.

How did the West's involvement in Iran's politics during this period set a precedent for future actions?

The West's covert regime-change in Iran demonstrated that such actions could be effective in projecting power and influence into regions. This experience likely influenced Western policy in other regions during the Cold War, as they gained more practice with covert operations.