August 20, 1953

On this day in history in 1953 the government of Iran was overthrown with a CIA-assisted coup.

The Iranian Government

Mohammad Mosaddegh

Mohammad Mosaddegh (sometimes spelled Mosaddeq) was appointed prime minister, or premier, in 1951 in Iran. He was a fierce nationalist and began attacks on British oil companies, wanting to nationalize his country's oil fields. This led to conflicts with pro-Westerners in his own country including the Shah (the 'Shah' is essentially the king). Shah Mohammed Reza Phlevi dismissed Mosaddegh of his position but then had to reinstate him after massive public riots.

Overthrowing the Government

Shah Mohammed Reza Phlevi

Both the U.S. and British intelligence agencies began watching the Iranian government closely. The CIA eventually concluded that Mosaddegh had communist leanings and feared he would move Iran into the Soviet sphere if he was allowed to stay in power. Both agencies worked with the Shah to overthrow Mossadeq. However, he got word of the coup and his supporters protested in the streets. While the Shah left the country, the CIA continued to aid the Iranian government. They worked with the Iranian military and a second coup succeeded in overthrowing Mosaddegh. Unsurprisingly, the Shah then returned to the country and to power. He also signed over 40% of the country's oil fields to U.S. companies. Mosaddegh was arrested and died under house arrest in 1967. The Shah became a Cold War ally to the United States until he was taken out of power in 1979.