Historical Context of the Anglo-Iranian Conflict

Early Imperial Interests

Origins of British Involvement

The Anglo-Iranian conflict has roots in the late 19th century, when Britain began strategically positioning itself in Persia (Iran) as part of its broader imperial design. Two key imperial considerations drove this engagement:

1.     Strategic Geopolitical Location: Iran's position was crucial in:

o    Protecting British India

o    Controlling trade routes

o    Countering Russian expansionist ambitions

2.     Economic Potential: The region represented a significant opportunity for resource extraction and economic exploitation.

The D'Arcy Concession: A Turning Point

In 1901, William Knox D'Arcy secured a revolutionary concession from Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar, granting exclusive oil exploration rights in Iran. The terms were staggeringly unequal:

• D'Arcy paid £20,000 in cash
• An additional £20,000 in shares
• 16% of future net profits

Formation of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company

By 1908, the first major oil discovery transformed the relationship:

• The company was founded in 1909
• British government became a major shareholder in 1914
• Renamed Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in 1935

Imperial Control Mechanisms

Economic Exploitation

The oil concession established a brutal economic model:

• Minimal financial returns to Iran
• Complete British control of extraction and distribution
• Systematic underpayment for resources

Political Manipulation

Britain exercised control through:

• Direct influence on Iranian monarchs
• Economic pressure
• Strategic military interventions

 

World War Periods

World War I

• Iran became a critical strategic territory
• British forces occupied parts of Iran
• Used Iranian infrastructure for military logistics

Interwar Period

• Reza Shah attempted to challenge British influence
• Implemented modernization reforms
• Sought to reduce foreign economic control

 

World War II and Occupation

In 1941, British and Soviet forces invaded Iran:

• Removed Reza Shah
• Installed his son Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
• Secured a critical supply route to Soviet Union

Path to Nationalization

Growing Iranian nationalism culminated in:

• Increasing resistance to foreign control
• Economic disparities becoming more visible
• Rise of political leaders challenging imperial interests

Mosaddegh's Emergence

Mohammad Mosaddegh represented the culmination of decades of Iranian resistance:

• Democratically elected in 1951
• Nationalized oil industry
• Directly challenged British imperial economic model

Broader Imperial Context

The conflict exemplified:

• Systemic colonial exploitation
• Economic imperialism
• Resistance to foreign intervention

Long-Term Consequences

• Established template for Cold War interventions
• Created lasting anti-Western sentiment
• Shaped Middle Eastern geopolitics for decades

The Anglo-Iranian conflict was more than a bilateral dispute—it represented a microcosm of global imperial dynamics in the mid-20th century.

Operation Ajax: The Covert Coup Against Mosaddegh

Planning and Preparation

Key Architects

• Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister)
• Allen Dulles (CIA Director)
• Kermit Roosevelt Jr. (CIA operative)

Strategic Objectives

• Remove Mosaddegh from power
• Reinstate pro-Western control over Iranian oil resources
• Prevent potential Soviet influence in Iran

Operational Phases

Intelligence Gathering

• Extensive surveillance of Mosaddegh's political networks
• Identifying potential opposition groups
• Mapping political vulnerabilities

Psychological Warfare

• Propaganda campaigns
• Spreading disinformation
• Creating internal political divisions

 

Operational Tactics

1.    Bribery:

o    Paid protesters

o    Bought political and military support

o    Undermined Mosaddegh's political alliances

2.    Covert Mobilization:

o    Recruited military officers

o    Organized street demonstrations

o    Planted false news stories

Execution

Key Events

• August 15, 1953: Initial coup attempt fails
• August 19, 1953: Successful overthrow of Mosaddegh
• Immediate arrest and removal of Mosaddegh
• Installation of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as absolute monarch

Operational Resources

• CIA budget: Approximately $1 million
• British MI6 coordinated intelligence
• Extensive network of paid informants

Immediate Outcomes

• Mosaddegh placed under house arrest
• Suppression of nationalist movements
• Restoration of British oil interests
• Increased US influence in Iran

Long-Term Consequences

• Radicalization of Iranian politics
• Erosion of trust in Western democratic institutions
• Laid groundwork for 1979 Iranian Revolution

Operational Significance

• Pioneering model of covert regime change
• Demonstrated Cold War intervention strategies
• Prioritized economic interests over democratic principles