The Iranian Coup of 1953

Study Notes

In 1951, Iran nationalized its oil industry, which was owned by the British government.
British leaders considered various actions, including a coup, to regain control of Iran's oil industry.
British officials approached the CIA to carry out the coup, claiming that Mossadegh was leading Iran towards communism.
Some CIA officers opposed the idea of overthrowing Mossadegh, but Allen Dulles, the director of the CIA, believed it was a good idea.
The CIA sent a senior agent, Kermit Roosevelt, to direct the coup against Mossadegh.
Roosevelt used Iranian agents and spent a lot of money to create an artificial wave of anti-Mossadegh protests.
Members of parliament withdrew their support from Mossadegh, and religious leaders and newspapers depicted him negatively.
Mossadegh called a national referendum, which he won overwhelmingly, but refused to step down.
The Shah agreed to sign royal decrees dismissing Mossadegh from office and appointing General Zahedi as the new prime minister.
The coup was successful, and Mossadegh was arrested, and the shah returned to Iran to reclaim his throne.