Introduction: Operation Ajax, one of the most significant covert operations of the 20th century, forever altered the course of Iran's history. In this newsletter, we delve into the shadowy world of espionage and intrigue, shedding light on the operation that reshaped Iran's destiny and had far-reaching implications. As always, you'll find a link to the declassified document at the end of this newsletter for those who want to explore further.
Background: In the early 1950s, Iran was a key Cold War battleground. The nation's nationalization of its oil industry created tensions with powerful foreign oil companies, particularly the British Anglo-Iranian Oil Company and the American-owned Standard Oil (Chevron & Exxon). The struggle for control over Iran's oil wealth set the stage for Operation Ajax.
Key Players:
Mohammad Mossadegh was born in 1882 into a prominent Iranian family. He studied law in Europe, earning a doctorate in law from the University of Paris. His political career began in the Iranian parliament, where he championed democratic reforms. Mossadegh's passion for democracy and Iranian sovereignty drove him to nationalize the oil industry in 1951. He believed that Iran's oil wealth should benefit its people rather than foreign oil companies. After the coup, Mossadegh was arrested, tried, and spent the rest of his life under house arrest. Despite his fall from power, his legacy endures as a symbol of Iranian nationalism and a commitment to democratic ideals.
Kermit Roosevelt Jr. came from a prominent American political family, with a lineage tied to President Theodore Roosevelt. He had a distinguished career in the U.S. intelligence community, with prior experience in covert operations. As the CIA's point person for Operation Ajax, Roosevelt played a central role in orchestrating the operation. He used a combination of bribery, propaganda, and disinformation to undermine Mossadegh's government. His success in Iran led to his continued involvement in covert operations during the Cold War.
Born in 1919, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi ascended to the throne in 1941 following his father's abdication. He was known for his modernization efforts and ties to Western powers. The Shah cultivated close ties with Western nations, particularly the United States, seeking their support for his modernization projects and to counterbalance domestic opposition. The Shah's rule was also characterized by authoritarianism and suppression of dissent. His White Revolution aimed to modernize Iran's economy and society but faced criticism for its top-down approach. After his ousting in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution, the Shah went into exile, first in Egypt and later in the United States. He lived in exile until he died in 1980, while Iran underwent significant political transformations.
The Operation:
CIA agents and operatives discreetly worked within Iran, employing tactics such as bribery and persuasion to gain the cooperation of key officials and influencers. The success of these efforts hinged on the ability to manipulate and divide those in power. A sophisticated propaganda campaign was launched to sway public opinion against Mohammad Mossadegh. This campaign used local newspapers, radio broadcasts, and paid influencers to paint a negative image of Mossadegh's leadership and to depict the Shah as a savior of Iran. One of the operation's notable elements was the strategic spread of disinformation, including forged documents and misleading reports. These disinformation campaigns aimed to weaken Mossadegh's position and create confusion within his government. Although a lot of documents remain classified, those interested in more specifics can use these visuals to further grasp the operation, which are linked.
Consequences:
Reinstatement of Shah Pahlavi: The coup successfully led to the reinstatement of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who returned to power with Western support. His rule, however, became increasingly autocratic, marked by censorship, political repression, and surveillance of dissidents.
Altered U.S.-Iran Relations: Operation Ajax fundamentally reshaped U.S.-Iran relations, leading to a deep-seated mistrust that persists to this day. This mistrust played a role in the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and subsequent regional events, such as the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, The Arab Spring, and the rise of ISIS.
Influence of Western Oil Interests: Critics argue that one of the driving forces behind Operation Ajax was the protection of Western oil interests, particularly the British Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (now BP) and American-owned Standard Oil (now Exxon and Chevron). This raised questions about whether geopolitical considerations were prioritized over ethical concerns.
Ethical Questions and Legacy:
Covert Regime Change: The operation, orchestrated by the CIA, involved removing Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, through covert means. This raised ethical concerns about foreign interference in a legitimate government.
Corporate Interests vs. National Welfare: Critics argued that Operation Ajax prioritized the interests of Western oil companies over the welfare of the Iranian people. This perception highlighted the influence of corporations in shaping foreign policy and generated ethical debates.
Enduring Controversy: Even today, Operation Ajax continues to be a subject of historical debate and ethical scrutiny. Differing perspectives on its morality and consequences underscore the enduring controversy surrounding the operation.
[Document: https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/the%20central%20intelligence%20%5B15369853%5D.pdf]