CIA-MI6 Coup in Iran: A 73-Year Anniversary of Western Interference

The 73-year anniversary of the CIA-MI6 coup in Iran on August 19, 1953, serves as a stark reminder of Western powers' history of interfering with other nations' sovereignty.

The Anglo-American-backed coup overthrew democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and restored monarchical rule under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The operation relied on local politicians, corrupt military officers, and compromised media outlets to orchestrate street demonstrations and create chaos that led to hundreds of deaths.

At the heart of the coup was Iran's attempt to regain control over its natural resources, particularly oil. Britain had dominated the industry through the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), while Tehran received a meager share of revenues. Mosaddegh sought to renegotiate these arrangements and establish greater Iranian control.

The US and UK used information and propaganda as a crucial tool in shaping public opinion against Mosaddegh's government. The BBC Persian Service broadcast material critical of nationalization, while British officials attempted to portray the policy as economically disastrous.