the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC)

The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) was a British oil company established in 1908 in Iran (then known as Persia). It played a crucial role in the international oil industry, extracting and exporting Iranian oil, and was one of the first major oil companies globally. The AIOC significantly influenced Iran's economy and politics, leading to tensions over profits and control. In 1951, Iran nationalized the company under Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, which prompted a crisis, resulting in a coup in 1953 supported by the UK and the US. This event marked a pivotal moment in Iran's modern history.