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Deep Dive
Why did the CIA get involved in Iran's internal affairs in the 1950s?
The CIA's involvement was driven by the nationalization of Iranian oil by Prime Minister Mossadegh, which threatened Western economic interests. The British MI6 proposed a coup to oust Mossadegh, and the CIA, under President Eisenhower, agreed to support it.
How did Kermit Roosevelt Jr. initially attempt to undermine Mossadegh's popularity?
Roosevelt controlled the Iranian press to print anti-Mossadegh propaganda, including false accusations and lies, to turn public opinion against the popular prime minister.
What was the turning point in Kermit Roosevelt's efforts to convince the Shah of Iran to support the coup?
The turning point came when the Shah hesitated during a conversation with Roosevelt, indicating a potential shift in his stance. Over several nights, Roosevelt continued to persuade the Shah, eventually gaining his agreement to sign the dismissal papers.
Why did the initial coup attempt fail in August 1953?
The initial coup failed because Mossadegh had learned of the plot and preemptively moved his loyalists to avoid arrest. He also set up ambushes for the coup plotters, leading to their arrest and the Shah's flight to Rome.
How did Kermit Roosevelt Jr. manage to turn the failed coup into a successful one?
Roosevelt used a photocopier to mass-produce the Shah's signed decree dismissing Mossadegh and distributed it widely. He also bribed street gang leaders to incite riots and protests, creating chaos that ultimately led to Mossadegh's downfall.
What long-term impact did Operation Ajax have on U.S.-Iran relations?
Operation Ajax led to decades of anti-American sentiment in Iran, contributing to the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the subsequent hostage crisis. It also set a precedent for CIA-orchestrated coups, destabilizing the Middle East.
How did Mossadegh's nationalization of Iranian oil impact Western interests?
Mossadegh's nationalization policy kept Iranian oil revenues within the country, significantly impacting Western economies that had previously profited from Iranian oil exports.
What role did Princess Ashraf play in the coup efforts?
Princess Ashraf, the Shah's twin sister, was vehemently opposed to Mossadegh and tried to convince her brother to support the coup. Although initially unsuccessful, her efforts were crucial in swaying the Shah's final decision.
How did the success of Operation Ajax influence future CIA operations?
Operation Ajax became a template for future CIA-orchestrated coups, demonstrating the agency's ability to influence foreign governments and political landscapes through covert operations.
What was the immediate aftermath of Mossadegh's ousting for his supporters?
Many of Mossadegh's supporters were arrested and some were sentenced to death. Mossadegh himself was placed under house arrest for three years, marking the end of democratic governance in Iran for decades.
- Operation Ajax was proposed by British intelligence (MI6) and later supported by the CIA.
- The primary goal was to oust Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh who had nationalized Iranian oil, threatening Western economic interests.
- Kermit Roosevelt Jr., a CIA operative and grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, was tasked with leading the operation.
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