America's Foreign Policy Practice Ecam

The CIA's involvement in the overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953 was primarily driven by concerns surrounding the potential spread of communism and a desire to restore the pro-Western monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Following World War II, the geopolitical landscape was heavily influenced by Cold War dynamics, and the United States was particularly wary of any government that might align itself with the Soviet Union or exhibit leftist tendencies.

Mossadegh was popular for nationalizing the Iranian oil industry, which had previously been controlled by foreign interests, particularly the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company. This move intensified tensions between Iran and the West, especially Britain, which sought to protect its economic interests. The nationalization was seen by U.S. policymakers as a direct threat not only to Western oil access but also as a potential catalyst for communist influence in Iran, prompting fears that other nations might follow suit.

In this context, the United States, with the support of Britain, orchestrated a covert operation known as Operation Ajax to remove Mossadegh from power. The mission aimed at destabilizing his government and reinstating the Shah, ensuring a regime that would be more favorable to Western interests, particularly in terms of oil access and