1953 Iranian coup d'état

The 1953 Iranian coup d'état was a covert operation orchestrated by the U.S. and British governments that aimed to overthrow Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh. Mossadegh had nationalized the oil industry, which angered foreign interests. Fearing a shift towards communism, the CIA and MI6 supported a coup that resulted in the removal of Mossadegh and reinstated the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, giving him greater power. This event significantly impacted Iranian politics, leading to widespread resentment against foreign interference and contributing to the 1979 Iranian Revolution.