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'''Operation AJAX''' was the codename for the 1953 covert operation carried out by the [[United States]] [[Central Intelligence Agency]] ([[CIA]]), with support from the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) [[Operation BOOT]], to remove Iranian Prime Minister [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] from power. The operation restored [[Shah]] [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] and re‑established Western influence over Iran’s oil industry during the early Cold War.

'''Operation AJAX''' was the codename for the 1953 covert operation carried out by the [[United States]] [[Central Intelligence Agency]] ([[CIA]]), with support from the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) [[Operation BOOT]], to remove Iranian Prime Minister [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] from power. The operation restored [[Shah]] [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] and re‑established Western influence over Iran's oil industry during the early Cold War.

==Background==

==Background==

After World War II, Iran’s oil industry was dominated by the British‑controlled [[British Petrolium|Anglo‑Iranian Oil Company]] (AIOC). In 1951, Prime Minister [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] nationalized the oil industry, arguing that Iran should control its own natural resources. The nationalization triggered a major international dispute, leading Britain to impose an embargo and seek American support.

After World War II, Iran's oil industry was dominated by the British‑controlled [[British Petrolium|Anglo‑Iranian Oil Company]] (AIOC). In 1951, Prime Minister [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] nationalized the oil industry, arguing that Iran should control its own natural resources. The nationalization triggered a major international dispute, leading Britain to impose an embargo and seek American support.

==Cold War Context==

==Cold War Context==

==Aftermath==

==Aftermath==

The coup had long‑lasting consequences:

The coup had long‑lasting consequences:

* The [[Shah|Shah’s]] authority was strengthened, leading to a more centralized and authoritarian government.   

* The [[Shah|Shah's]] authority was strengthened, leading to a more centralized and authoritarian government.   

* Western control over Iranian oil was re‑established through a consortium agreement.   

* Western control over Iranian oil was re‑established through a consortium agreement.   

* Anti‑Western sentiment grew in Iran, contributing to political tensions that culminated in the [[Iranian Revolution (1979)]].   

* Anti‑Western sentiment grew in Iran, contributing to political tensions that culminated in the [[Iranian Revolution (1979)]].   

* The origins of modern Middle Eastern political instability   

* The origins of modern Middle Eastern political instability   

The operation remains controversial due to its role in undermining Iran’s elected government and shaping decades of mistrust between Iran and Western powers.

The operation remains controversial due to its role in undermining Iran's elected government and shaping decades of mistrust between Iran and Western powers.

==See Also==

==See also==

* [[Mohammad Mossadegh]]   

* [[Mohammad Mossadegh]]   

* [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]]   

* [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]]