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'''Operation BOOT''' was the codename for the [[British Secret Intelligence Service]] ([[MI6]]) component of the Iranian 1953 coup in Iran that removed Prime Minister [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] from power. It operated in parallel with the American-led [[Operation AJAX]] and formed the British half of the coordinated Anglo‑American effort to restore [[Shah]] [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] and reassert Western influence over Iran’s oil industry.

'''Operation BOOT''' was the codename for the [[British Secret Intelligence Service]] ([[MI6]]) component of the Iranian 1953 coup in Iran that removed Prime Minister [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] from power. It operated in parallel with the American-led [[Operation AJAX]] and formed the British half of the coordinated Anglo‑American effort to restore [[Shah]] [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi]] and reassert Western influence over Iran's oil industry.

==Background==

==Background==

Britain’s interest in Iran centered on the [[Anglo‑Iranian Oil Company]] (AIOC), which controlled Iran’s petroleum production throughout the early 20th century. In 1951, Prime Minister [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] nationalized the oil industry, arguing that Iran should receive fair compensation and sovereign control over its resources. The British government responded with economic pressure, legal challenges, and covert planning to remove Mossadegh.

Britain's interest in Iran centered on the [[Anglo‑Iranian Oil Company]] (AIOC), which controlled Iran's petroleum production throughout the early 20th century. In 1951, Prime Minister [[Mohammad Mossadegh]] nationalized the oil industry, arguing that Iran should receive fair compensation and sovereign control over its resources. The British government responded with economic pressure, legal challenges, and covert planning to remove Mossadegh.

==British Objectives==

==British Objectives==

MI6 developed Operation BOOT with several goals:

MI6 developed Operation BOOT with several goals:

* Reverse the nationalization of the oil industry   

* Reverse the nationalization of the oil industry   

* Restore the Shah’s authority   

* Restore the Shah's authority   

* Prevent perceived Soviet influence in Iran   

* Prevent perceived Soviet influence in Iran   

* Protect British strategic and economic interests in the Middle East   

* Protect British strategic and economic interests in the Middle East   

The British government viewed Mossadegh’s policies as destabilizing and feared that prolonged crisis could weaken Iran’s monarchy.

The British government viewed Mossadegh's policies as destabilizing and feared that prolonged crisis could weaken Iran's monarchy.

==Planning and Coordination with the CIA==

==Planning and Coordination with the CIA==

==Execution==

==Execution==

In August 1953, the [[Shah]] issued a royal decree dismissing [[Mohammad Mossadegh|Mossadegh]] and appointing General [[Fazlollah Zahedi]] as prime minister. [[[[Mohammad Mossadegh|Mossadegh]] refused to accept the decree, leading to several days of unrest. [[MI6]] assets helped organize demonstrations, influence public opinion, and support military units aligned with the [[Shah]].

In August 1953, the [[Shah]] issued a royal decree dismissing [[Mohammad Mossadegh|Mossadegh]] and appointing General [[Fazlollah Zahedi]] as prime minister. [[Mohammad Mossadegh|Mossadegh]] refused to accept the decree, leading to several days of unrest. [[MI6]] assets helped organize demonstrations, influence public opinion, and support military units aligned with the [[Shah]].

The combined pressure of British and American covert action ultimately resulted in [[Mohammad Mossadegh|Mossadegh’s]] arrest and [[Fazlollah Zahedi|Zahedi’s]] installation as prime minister.

The combined pressure of British and American covert action ultimately resulted in [[Mohammad Mossadegh|Mossadegh's]] arrest and [[Fazlollah Zahedi|Zahedi's]] installation as prime minister.

==Aftermath==

==Aftermath==

Operation BOOT achieved Britain’s immediate objectives:

Operation BOOT achieved Britain's immediate objectives:

* The Shah’s authority was restored   

* The Shah's authority was restored   

* Western access to Iranian oil was re‑established through a new consortium   

* Western access to Iranian oil was re‑established through a new consortium   

* British influence in Iran temporarily strengthened   

* British influence in Iran temporarily strengthened   

Together with [[Operation AJAX]], Operation BOOT remains a central case study in Cold War intelligence history.

Together with [[Operation AJAX]], Operation BOOT remains a central case study in Cold War intelligence history.

==See Also==

==See also==

* [[Operation AJAX]]   

* [[Operation AJAX]]   

* [[Mohammad Mossadegh]]   

* [[Mohammad Mossadegh]]