Operation AJAX
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 reâestablished Western influence over Iranâs oil industry during the early Cold War.
Background
After World War II, Iranâs oil industry was dominated by the Britishâcontrolled AngloâIranian 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
The United States viewed Iran as strategically important due to its location near the Soviet Union. American officials feared that political instability in Iran might allow communist influence to grow. Although Mossadegh was not a communist, his policies and conflicts with the Shah were seen by Western governments as destabilizing.
Planning the Coup
The British government initially attempted to remove Mossadegh on its own, but after failing to gain traction, it sought American assistance. The CIA developed a planâcodenamed Operation AJAXâto:
- Support proâShah factions
- Organize street demonstrations
- Influence Iranian military officers
- Spread propaganda against Mossadegh
- Encourage the Shah to dismiss Mossadegh by royal decree
CIA officer Kermit Roosevelt Jr. played a central role in coordinating the operation inside Iran.
Execution
In August 1953, the Shah issued a decree dismissing Mossadegh and appointing General Fazlollah Zahedi as prime minister. Mossadegh refused to accept the decree, leading to several days of unrest. With CIAâbacked military units and organized demonstrations, Mossadegh was eventually arrested, and Zahedi assumed power.
Aftermath
The coup had longâlasting consequences:
- The Shahâs authority was strengthened, leading to a more centralized and authoritarian government.
- Western control over Iranian oil was reâestablished through a consortium agreement.
- AntiâWestern sentiment grew in Iran, contributing to political tensions that culminated in the Iranian Revolution (1979).
- Operation AJAX became one of the most widely discussed examples of Cold War covert intervention.
Legacy
Operation AJAX is often cited in discussions of:
- Cold War geopolitics
- U.S.âIran relations
- Resource nationalism
- Covert action and regime change
- The origins of modern Middle Eastern political instability
The operation remains controversial due to its role in undermining Iranâs elected government and shaping decades of mistrust between Iran and Western powers.