Persian Oil Crisis

The Persian Oil Crisis of 1951 occurred when Iran's government, led by Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, nationalized its oil industry to regain control from British companies. Britain and the United States opposed this move, fearing loss of influence and access to oil resources. They orchestrated a covert operation, called Operation Ajax, which led to a coup that ousted Mosaddegh and restored the monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The crisis highlighted tensions over resource control, colonial influence, and national sovereignty, significantly impacting Iran's political landscape and its relationship with Western powers.