Operation Ajax, also known as the 1953 Iranian coup d’état, was a covert operation orchestrated by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). Here are the key details:
Background
- Post-WWII Context: After World War II, Iran’s oil industry was primarily controlled by the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC). This control was a point of significant contention within Iran.
- Nationalization of Oil: In 1951, Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh nationalized the oil industry, taking control away from the AIOC. This move was extremely popular in Iran but provoked strong opposition from Britain.
Objectives
- British Interests: Britain sought to regain control over Iranian oil and prevent the nationalization trend from spreading to other countries.
- U.S. Interests: The United States, during the Cold War, was concerned about the spread of communism. Although Mossadegh was not a communist, his increasing power and the influence of the communist Tudeh Party within Iran alarmed the U.S.
Planning the Operation
- Collaboration: The operation was a joint effort between the CIA and MI6. The CIA’s Kermit Roosevelt Jr., grandson of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, played a leading role.
- Codenames: The operation was codenamed “TPAJAX” by the CIA and “Operation Boot” by MI6.
Execution
- Propaganda Campaign: The operation involved a massive propaganda campaign to undermine Mossadegh’s reputation and government. The CIA and MI6 spread false stories and bribed journalists, clergy, and politicians.
- Staging Protests: The CIA organized and funded protests and demonstrations against Mossadegh. They paid individuals to pose as supporters of Mossadegh and then turn violent, making it seem like Mossadegh had lost control.
- Military Coup: The key phase of the operation was orchestrating a military coup. The CIA and MI6 worked to build support among key military leaders. They eventually persuaded Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to dismiss Mossadegh and replace him with General Fazlollah Zahedi.
The Coup
- Initial Failure: The first coup attempt on August 15, 1953, failed. Mossadegh was alerted to the plan, and key conspirators were arrested.
- Second Attempt: Despite the setback, a second coup attempt was launched on August 19, 1953. With renewed efforts and increased support, the coup succeeded. Mossadegh was arrested, and the Shah returned to power.
Aftermath
- Shah’s Rule: After the coup, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi assumed autocratic control over Iran. He ruled with increasing authoritarianism, supported by the United States and Britain.
- Impact on Iran: The coup led to decades of resentment and mistrust towards the U.S. and Britain among the Iranian people. It also paved the way for the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which resulted in the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Oil Control: The coup allowed the Western powers to regain control over Iranian oil resources, though they eventually had to share profits with the newly formed National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).
Legacy
- Controversy: Operation Ajax remains a highly controversial chapter in U.S. and British foreign policy. It is often cited as a classic example of the negative consequences of foreign intervention and covert operations.
- Historical Lessons: The operation highlighted the dangers of undermining democratic processes and the long-term impact such actions can have on international relations and regional stability.
Operation Ajax is a significant event in the history of U.S.-Iran relations and serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities and repercussions of covert intelligence operations.
Resource: Operation Ajax – December 29, 1972