Mohammad Mosaddegh, Iranian political scientist and politician, 60th Prime Minister of Iran (b. 1882)

Mohammad Mosaddegh: A Champion of Iranian Sovereignty

Mohammad Mosaddegh, born on June 16, 1882, and passing away on March 5, 1967, stands as a towering figure in Iran's modern history. This distinguished Iranian politician served as the nation's 35th Prime Minister, holding the pivotal office from 1951 until 1953. His tenure, however, was dramatically cut short by the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, a clandestine operation orchestrated by the United Kingdom's MI6 and the American CIA, notably led by Kermit Roosevelt Jr.

A Statesman's Vision: Reforms and Oil Nationalization

Before ascending to the premiership, Mosaddegh was a multifaceted intellectual and public servant, known as an accomplished author, seasoned administrator, respected lawyer, and influential parliamentarian. Upon taking office, his administration swiftly embarked on an ambitious program of social and political reforms. These initiatives aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Iranians and strengthening the nation's institutions. Key measures included the introduction of social security, significant land reforms designed to address deeply entrenched inequalities, and the implementation of higher taxes, including a crucial new taxation on the rent of land.

However, the defining and most impactful policy of Mosaddegh's government, a move that resonated profoundly across the nation and indeed the world, was the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry. This industry, a veritable lifeline for the Iranian economy, had been largely under British control since 1913. The Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC), later known as the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) and eventually British Petroleum (BP), had built and operated these vast oil interests on Persian lands, reaping substantial profits while, in the eyes of many Iranians, denying the nation its rightful share of its own natural wealth. Mosaddegh's bold nationalization policy was seen by many Iranians as the ultimate assertion of their country's sovereignty and a defiant stand against decades of foreign economic domination.

The Fateful Coup of 1953

Mosaddegh's unwavering commitment to nationalizing Iran's oil reserves placed him squarely at odds with powerful international interests, particularly the British and American governments. What followed was a complex and controversial chapter in international relations. Initially, an attempt to depose him, backed by the CIA and MI6, failed. This first effort involved General Fazlollah Zahedi, but it did not succeed in overthrowing the Prime Minister.

Despite this initial setback, Kermit Roosevelt Jr., the tenacious CIA field agent in charge of the operation, defied orders to stand down and pressed forward with a second, more audacious attempt. His strategy involved a multifaceted approach to destabilize Mosaddegh's government. This included financially compensating mobs to stage public demonstrations against the Prime Minister, a cunning maneuver to trick Mosaddegh into urging his own supporters to stay home, thereby clearing the streets for the manufactured dissent. Simultaneously, key military officers were bribed and mobilized to turn against Mosaddegh. The culmination was a direct military confrontation outside Mosaddegh's home. With loyalist troops ultimately overwhelmed, Mosaddegh, though reportedly expressing a wish to die in his home rather than flee, was persuaded by aides to go into hiding. He later surrendered himself to the Officers' Club after Zahedi publicly announced an order for his arrest via radio broadcast, signaling the complete overthrow of his government.

Legacy and Recognition

Following the coup, Mosaddegh was imprisoned for three years. Upon his release, he was placed under house arrest for the remainder of his life, a measure designed to prevent any potential political resurgence or the rallying of his fervent supporters. He passed away on March 5, 1967, and was laid to rest within his own home, a decision made to pre-empt his gravesite from becoming a political rallying point for future generations. For countless Iranians, Mosaddegh remains the leading symbol of secular democracy and a courageous figure who stood firm against foreign domination in Iran's tumultuous modern history.

Decades later, in a significant acknowledgement of historical truth, the U.S. government formally recognized its role in the 1953 coup in 2013. This admission came as part of broader foreign policy initiatives and shed further light on a pivotal, and often debated, moment in both Iranian and international history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohammad Mosaddegh

Who was Mohammad Mosaddegh?
Mohammad Mosaddegh was a prominent Iranian politician, serving as the 35th Prime Minister of Iran from 1951 to 1953. He was also an author, administrator, lawyer, and parliamentarian.
What was his most significant policy as Prime Minister?
His most significant and impactful policy was the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry, which had previously been controlled by the British through the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (APOC/AIOC), later British Petroleum (BP).
When and how did his premiership end?
His premiership ended in 1953 when his government was overthrown in a coup d'état orchestrated by the United Kingdom's MI6 and the American CIA, led by Kermit Roosevelt Jr.
Why is he considered an important figure in Iran?
Many Iranians regard Mosaddegh as a champion of secular democracy and a symbol of resistance against foreign domination, particularly for his stand on oil nationalization and national sovereignty.
What happened to Mosaddegh after the coup?
After the coup, Mosaddegh was imprisoned for three years, then placed under house arrest until his death in 1967. He was buried in his own home to prevent his grave from becoming a political symbol.
Did the U.S. acknowledge its role in the coup?
Yes, in 2013, the U.S. government formally acknowledged its role in the 1953 coup d'état as part of its foreign policy initiatives.