MI6 & the CIA Installed the Ayatollah of Iran

The history of U.S. and British involvement in Iran is a complex tale of geopolitical maneuvering, resource control, and covert operations. The sequence of events leading to the installation of Ayatollah Khomeini as Iran's leader involves the overthrow of a democratically elected government, manipulation of political dynamics, and clandestine deals.

Operation Boot: The 1953 Coup Overthrowing Iran's Democracy

In the early 1950s, Iran was under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, who had been democratically elected. Mossadegh was a nationalist and aimed to reduce foreign influence in Iran, particularly that of the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC), which later became British Petroleum (BP). His move to nationalize Iran's oil industry in 1951 was met with fierce resistance from Britain, which sought to maintain its control over Iran's vast oil resources.

In response, Britain sought the assistance of the United States. The CIA, in cooperation with the British MI6, orchestrated Operation Ajax, a covert operation to overthrow Mossadegh. In August 1953, the coup was successful, and the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was reinstalled with greater power, cementing his rule and ensuring Western control over Iranian oil.

The Shah's Rule and Rising Discontent

The Shah's regime was marked by efforts to modernize and secularize Iran, which included significant social and economic reforms. However, his policies also led to widespread dissatisfaction among various segments of the Iranian population, including the clergy, who felt marginalized, and the lower classes, who saw little benefit from the Shah's modernization programs.

Moreover, the Shah's close ties with the West, especially the U.S. and Britain, his autocratic style of governance, and his secret police's brutal repression of dissent contributed to the growing opposition. Despite initial support, the Shah's increasing reliance on Western advisors and the perception of being a puppet of foreign powers alienated many Iranians.

The Shah's Push for Nationalization

As the Shah's regime faced internal challenges, he began to assert more control over Iran's oil resources, which led to tensions with Western oil interests. The Shah's push for greater nationalization of the oil industry and more favorable terms for Iran further strained relations with the U.S. and Britain, who had significant economic interests in the region.

Fomenting Dissent: The CIA and MI6 Involvement

With rising discontent and the Shah's wavering loyalty to Western interests, the CIA and MI6 saw an opportunity to influence the direction of Iran's political landscape. They covertly supported and fomented dissent against the Shah, leveraging the growing opposition movements. This included support for various opposition groups, from secular nationalists to religious fundamentalists.

The Ayatollah Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution

One of the key figures in the opposition was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who had been exiled due to his outspoken criticism of the Shah's regime. Khomeini's message resonated with a broad base of Iranians, from the religious to the economically disenfranchised. As the opposition grew stronger, backroom deals and covert communications were reportedly established between the U.S., British intelligence, and Khomeini's followers.

By 1979, the Shah's regime could no longer withstand the mounting pressure. Facing massive protests and losing support from the military, the Shah fled Iran. In the power vacuum that followed, Khomeini returned from exile and assumed leadership, marking the success of the Islamic Revolution.

The Aftermath

The rise of Ayatollah Khomeini fundamentally transformed Iran. The new Islamic Republic severed ties with the U.S. and Britain, nationalized the oil industry, and established a theocratic government. The U.S. and British governments, having miscalculated the outcome of their covert support, found themselves facing a regime that was fiercely anti-Western and opposed to their interests in the region.