Iran's 1953 Coup: A Turning Point & Lasting Legacy

Eveline McDermott 19 Jun 2025

The 1953 Iranian coup d'état, known in Iran as the 28 Mordad Coup d'état (Persian: کودتای ۲۸ مرداد), stands as one of the most pivotal and controversial events in 20th-century Middle Eastern history. It was the swift and decisive overthrow of Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh, on August 19, 1953. This dramatic event, orchestrated with the covert support of the United States and the United Kingdom, not only reshaped Iran's political landscape but also cast a long shadow over its relationship with the West, the repercussions of which are still felt today.

The coup, which saw some 300 people die during fighting in Tehran, was a direct response to Mosaddegh's popular move to nationalize Iran's oil industry, challenging the entrenched interests of foreign powers. While domestic tensions certainly played a role, the decisive involvement of the CIA, working closely with British intelligence, proved instrumental in removing a leader who dared to prioritize national interests over foreign economic control. Understanding the complexities of the 1953 coup in Iran is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the deep-seated mistrust and historical grievances that continue to define the dynamic between Iran and Western nations.

The Seeds of Discontent: Iran's Post-WWII Landscape
Mohammad Mosaddegh: A Champion of Nationalization
- The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company Dispute
The International Stage: US and UK Interests
- Operation Ajax: The Covert Plan Unveiled
The Coup Unfolds: August 1953
- The Aftermath: Mosaddegh's Fall and the Shah's Return
The Long Shadow: Iran's Post-Coup Trajectory
A Legacy of Mistrust: The Coup's Enduring Impact
- Echoes in Modern Geopolitics: From Trump to Khamenei
Declassification and Disclosure: Unveiling the Truth
Lessons from History: The Perils of Intervention

The Seeds of Discontent: Iran's Post-WWII Landscape

To fully comprehend the events leading to the 1953 coup in Iran, one must first understand the socio-political climate of post-World War II Iran. The nation, strategically located and rich in oil, had long been a pawn in the geopolitical games of great powers, particularly Britain and Russia. After the war, a burgeoning sense of nationalism swept through Iran, fueled by a desire for true independence and control over its vast natural resources, primarily oil. The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), a British company, held a near-monopoly over Iran's oil production and profits, a situation that many Iranians viewed as exploitative and an affront to their sovereignty. This sentiment was deeply ingrained in the public consciousness, leading to widespread calls for nationalization.

The Iranian political landscape was complex, characterized by a constitutional monarchy where the Shah held significant, though not absolute, power, alongside a parliament (Majlis) and a prime minister. The post-war period saw a rise in democratic aspirations and a growing demand for accountability from both the monarchy and foreign entities. It was within this charged atmosphere that Mohammad Mosaddegh, a charismatic and principled nationalist, emerged as a leading figure, articulating the deep-seated grievances of the Iranian people and advocating for radical change.

Mohammad Mosaddegh: A Champion of Nationalization

Mohammad Mosaddegh, born in 1882, was a seasoned politician, lawyer, and academic who had long been a vocal critic of foreign interference in Iran. He became Prime Minister in April 1951, propelled to power by a wave of popular support for his unwavering commitment to nationalizing the oil industry. His government was seen by many as the legitimate, peaceful, and democratic representation of Iran's popular will. Mosaddegh's vision was clear: Iran's oil belonged to Iran, and its profits should benefit the Iranian people, not foreign shareholders. This stance directly challenged the economic might and geopolitical influence of the United Kingdom, setting the stage for an international confrontation that would culminate in the 1953 coup in Iran.

Mosaddegh's leadership was marked by significant reforms beyond oil nationalization. He aimed to reduce the power of the Shah, strengthen the Majlis, and implement social programs. His popularity soared, particularly after he successfully pushed through legislation nationalizing the AIOC. However, his reforms also alienated powerful domestic factions, including parts of the military, conservative clerics, and landowning elites, who felt their interests threatened by his populist agenda and his perceived weakening of the monarchy.

The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company Dispute

The nationalization of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company was the immediate catalyst for the international crisis that preceded the 1953 coup. Britain, heavily reliant on Iranian oil and deeply invested in the AIOC, viewed Mosaddegh's actions as a direct assault on its economic interests and imperial prestige. London responded with a global boycott of Iranian oil, freezing Iranian assets, and imposing an economic blockade, effectively crippling Iran's economy. The British government also pursued legal action against Iran in international courts, though these efforts largely failed.

As the dispute escalated, Britain sought assistance from the United States, urging Washington to intervene and help restore the AIOC's control. Initially, the US was hesitant, fearing that direct intervention might push Iran into the Soviet sphere of influence during the height of the Cold War. However, as Mosaddegh's government continued to defy British pressure and showed no signs of compromise on oil nationalization, and as fears of a communist takeover in Iran grew, the American position began to shift. This change in stance paved the way for the covert operation that would ultimately lead to the 1953 coup in Iran.

The International Stage: US and UK Interests

The Cold War provided the geopolitical backdrop for the 1953 coup in Iran. Both the United States and the United Kingdom viewed Mosaddegh's nationalist government with increasing suspicion. Britain saw the nationalization of oil as an unacceptable precedent that could undermine its colonial holdings and economic interests worldwide. The US, while initially advocating for a negotiated settlement, became increasingly concerned that the ongoing political instability and economic crisis in Iran could create an opening for the Soviet Union to expand its influence in the region. This fear, whether entirely justified or exaggerated, was a powerful motivator for intervention.

By early 1953, with Dwight D. Eisenhower in the White House, the US administration, particularly Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and his brother CIA Director Allen Dulles, became convinced that Mosaddegh was either unwilling or unable to prevent a communist takeover. They viewed him as a weak leader who was inadvertently playing into Soviet hands. This perception, coupled with persistent British lobbying and intelligence assessments, solidified the decision to pursue a covert operation to remove Mosaddegh from power and restore a pro-Western government under the Shah. The stage was set for a joint Anglo-American intervention, a move that would have profound and lasting consequences for US-Iran relations.

Operation Ajax: The Covert Plan Unveiled

The covert operation to overthrow Mohammad Mosaddegh was codenamed "Operation Ajax" by the CIA and "Operation Boot" by MI6. Planning for the coup began in earnest in March 1953, when the CIA began drafting a plan to bring to power, through covert action, a government in Iran that would be preferred by the United States. By April 16, 1953, a CIA study entitled "Factors Involved in the Overthrow of Mossadegh" was completed, concluding that a coup in Iran was indeed possible. The plan involved a multi-pronged approach: bribing Iranian military officers, politicians, and newspaper editors; organizing anti-Mosaddegh propaganda campaigns; staging protests and riots; and ultimately, securing the support of the Shah to issue a decree dismissing Mosaddegh.

The CIA's role was decisive, working closely with British intelligence to execute the intricate plot. Kermit Roosevelt Jr., the grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, led the CIA's efforts on the ground. The operation was funded by the United States and the United Kingdom, channeling money to key figures and orchestrating a disinformation campaign designed to undermine Mosaddegh's public image and sow discord within his government. The aim was clear: to remove Mohammad Mosaddegh from power and restore Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi as Iran's unquestioned leader, thereby securing Western oil interests and preventing perceived Soviet encroachment. The meticulous planning and execution of Operation Ajax underscore the significant foreign involvement in the 1953 coup in Iran.

The Coup Unfolds: August 1953

The initial attempt to execute the coup in Iran on August 15, 1953, failed. The Shah, pressured by the CIA and MI6, issued decrees dismissing Mosaddegh and appointing General Fazlollah Zahedi as the new Prime Minister. However, Mosaddegh, aware of the plot, had the royal guard who delivered the decrees arrested. The Shah, fearing for his life, fled Iran, first to Baghdad and then to Rome. This initial failure seemed to indicate that Mosaddegh had prevailed, and for a brief moment, it appeared the foreign-backed plot had unraveled.

However, the CIA and its Iranian allies quickly regrouped. On August 19, 1953, the second and decisive phase of the coup d'état was launched. Funded by the United States and the United Kingdom, pro-Shah forces, including elements of the Iranian army, orchestrated massive demonstrations in Tehran. These demonstrations, often involving paid mobs and carefully orchestrated chaos, quickly escalated into violent clashes with Mosaddegh's supporters. Key military units loyal to the Shah moved to seize strategic locations, including the prime minister's residence. The fighting was fierce, and by the end of the day, Mosaddegh's government had been overthrown. This day is remembered in Iran as the "28 Mordad Coup d'état," a date etched into the nation's collective memory as a symbol of foreign intervention and the betrayal of democratic aspirations.

The Aftermath: Mosaddegh's Fall and the Shah's Return

The immediate aftermath of the 1953 coup was swift and brutal. Mohammad Mosaddegh was arrested and subsequently tried for treason. He was sentenced to three years in solitary confinement and then spent the rest of his life under house arrest until his death in 1967. His foreign minister, Hossein Fatemi, was also arrested and later executed, becoming a martyr for many Iranians. Some 300 people died during the fighting in Tehran on August 19, 1953, a stark reminder of the violence inherent in the overthrow of a legitimate government.

With Mosaddegh removed, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi returned to Iran on August 22, 1953, to reclaim his throne and consolidate his power. The coup aimed at strengthening the autocratic rule of the Shah, and it succeeded. The Shah, now backed unequivocally by the United States, embarked on a period of authoritarian rule, suppressing dissent and relying heavily on his secret police, SAVAK. The oil industry was re-negotiated, though not fully returned to British control, with a new consortium formed that included American companies, ensuring Western access to Iran's oil resources. The 1953 coup thus cemented a new political order in Iran, one that would profoundly shape its future for the next quarter-century.

The Long Shadow: Iran's Post-Coup Trajectory

The 1953 coup in Iran marked a turning point in the nation's history and its relationship with the West. For the next 25 years, the Shah ruled Iran with an iron fist, supported by the United States. While his reign saw significant modernization and economic development, particularly through oil revenues, it was also characterized by severe human rights abuses, political repression, and a growing disconnect between the Westernized elite and the traditional, religious segments of society. The Shah's close alliance with the US and his perceived subservience to Western interests fueled widespread resentment among the Iranian populace, who remembered the overthrow of their democratically elected leader.

The memory of the 1953 coup was later invoked by students and the political class in Iran as a justification for overthrowing the Shah himself during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The revolution was, in many ways, a direct consequence of the unresolved grievances stemming from the coup and the subsequent authoritarian rule it enabled. The Shah became a symbol of foreign imposition and domestic tyranny, and his downfall was seen as a reclamation of Iranian sovereignty, albeit under a new, Islamist leadership. The long shadow of the 1953 coup profoundly influenced the trajectory of modern Iran, leading to a period of anti-Western sentiment and a determination to resist foreign interference at all costs.

A Legacy of Mistrust: The Coup's Enduring Impact

The 1953 coup in Iran created a deep and enduring legacy of mistrust between Iran and the United States, and by extension, the West. For many Iranians, the coup represents a betrayal of democratic ideals and a stark example of Western hypocrisy. Teacher Ehsan Rahmani, visiting the grave of Mosaddegh's foreign minister Fatemi, simply stated that "the U.S. planted hatred in the hearts of Iranians" through the coup. This sentiment is widespread and deeply rooted in the national psyche. The memory of the coup serves as a constant reminder of foreign intervention in Iran's internal affairs, making it difficult for any Iranian government to fully trust Western intentions.

For Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 1953 coup represents what he views as the continued threat from the U.S., whether that be from economic sanctions or the nationwide protests. The historical precedent of regime change, fueled by foreign powers to secure oil interests, is a powerful narrative that continues to shape Iran's foreign policy and its domestic rhetoric. Decades later, with tensions rising again between the US, Israel, and Iran, echoes of that intervention reverberate, influencing perceptions and exacerbating distrust on both sides. The 1953 coup is not merely a historical event; it is a living wound in the Iranian national consciousness.

Echoes in Modern Geopolitics: From Trump to Khamenei

The historical precedent of the 1953 coup continues to resonate strongly in contemporary US-Iran relations. When Donald Trump talked about regime change in Iran, many analysts and Iranians immediately drew parallels to the 1953 intervention. The Washington Post, in July 2017, highlighted that "regime change usually doesn’t work," implicitly referencing historical failures like the 1953 coup. This historical context provides a crucial lens through which to understand Iran's deep suspicion of US motives, particularly concerning its nuclear program, regional influence, and internal dissent.

From the Iranian perspective, every US policy, from sanctions to support for opposition movements, is viewed through the prism of past interventions, particularly the 1953 coup. This historical memory fuels a strong sense of national pride and a determination to resist any perceived attempts at external manipulation. The enduring impact of the coup means that any diplomatic overtures or policy shifts must contend with this profound historical baggage, making reconciliation and trust-building an exceptionally challenging endeavor. The legacy of the 1953 coup in Iran is thus a critical factor in understanding the persistent geopolitical tensions surrounding the country today.

Declassification and Disclosure: Unveiling the Truth

For decades following the 1953 coup, the United States government maintained a policy of official silence or denial regarding its involvement. However, over time, a growing body of evidence, including declassified documents and scholarly research, forced a re-evaluation of this stance. The "Secret CIA History of the Iran Coup, 1953," provided by the National Security Archive, was a significant step in unveiling the truth. This publication, and others like "Mohammad Mosaddeq and the 1953 Coup in Iran" by Mark J. Gasiorowski and Malcolm Byrne, brought to light the intricate details of the covert operation.

A major breakthrough occurred on August 19, 2013, when the CIA officially confirmed its role in the 1953 Iran coup, marking the 60th anniversary of the event. Further documents, including records describing the planning and implementation of the covert operation, were released in June and July 2017, as reported by WNYC Radio and the Washington Post. These releases were the culmination of decades of internal debates and public pressure, including lawsuits like the one in August 2000 that claimed "CIA secrecy claims are facially incredible." The Mossadegh Project, years in the making, presents the "most ambitious testimonial record ever assembled" of the 1953 coup d'état against Iran's legitimate, peaceful, democratic government. This ongoing process of declassification and historical review has been crucial in establishing the undeniable truth of foreign intervention in the 1953 coup in Iran, providing critical context for understanding the complexities of US-Iran relations.

Lessons from History: The Perils of Intervention

The 1953 coup in Iran offers profound lessons about the perils of foreign intervention and the long-term consequences of undermining democratic processes. While the immediate objective of strengthening the Shah's autocratic rule and securing oil interests was achieved, the long-term price was immeasurable. The coup not only contributed to the rise of anti-American sentiment in Iran but also laid the groundwork for the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and led to decades of animosity between Iran and the United States.

The experience of the 1953 coup serves as a stark reminder that regime change, especially when orchestrated covertly by external powers, usually doesn't work in the long run. It often breeds resentment, instability, and unintended consequences that can reverberate for generations. The "spectre of Operation Ajax," as noted by Guardian Unlimited, continues to haunt discussions about Iran, underscoring the deep-seated historical grievances that must be acknowledged and understood for any meaningful progress in international relations. For policymakers and the public alike, studying the 1953 coup is not just an academic exercise; it's a vital lesson in the complexities of international power dynamics and the enduring impact of historical interventions.

Conclusion

The 1953 coup in Iran, the overthrow of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh on August 19, 1953, remains a defining moment in modern history. Led by the Iranian army and covertly supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, it removed a democratically elected leader who dared to prioritize national interests over foreign control. The coup successfully restored Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi to power, but at a tremendous cost: it planted deep seeds of mistrust, fueled anti-Western sentiment, and ultimately contributed to the very revolution it sought to prevent decades later.

The declassification of documents and the official acknowledgment of foreign involvement have solidified the historical record, yet the legacy of the 1953 coup continues to shape Iran's identity and its often-fraught relationship with the West. Understanding this pivotal event is essential for anyone seeking to comprehend the complexities of the Middle East today. We invite you to share your thoughts on this critical historical event in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site that delve into the intricate history of Iran and its global connections.

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