US+and+the+CIA

Mossadegh, Kashani, MAIN, Shah, EHM, AIOC, Britian and MI6, US and the CIA, home


 * US Involvement in Iran**

The United States were not the largest driving force behind the coup of 1953, but they were the reason it was susccesful. The United State's role began long after the British had been in Iran. The US was asked for help in 1952, but Truman refused because he believe that it was not right to overthrow a democratically elected leader. The british were persistant, they asked Eisenhower in 1953, telling him false information that "Iran is slowly coming under the influence of the USSR." The US beleived that this was true, and it was not acceptable to allow the oil rich feilds of Iran to become a Soviet state. The US then became involved, and in a few short months were throwing themselves a coup. The CIA used all it had, and were successful in the end.


 * Timeline**

Truman refuses to help oust a democratically elected leader. Eisenhower is persuaded that Iran is slowly coming under the Communist influence of the USSR. This is something that the US cannot allow, because of the oil rich lands which can fuel and empire. The US had gone as far as creating safe havens in souther Iran for US guerilla fighters. The General's actions gave the CIA the backing and motivation to get involved in a coup. This money was to be used "In any way that would bring about the fall of Mossadegh." The officials met in Cyprus. This meeting was a final review of the plan they had concocted in Cyprus. This decree would have fired Mossadegh and put General Zahedi in his place. People understand what is happening and realize there will be a coup. Zahedi flees and The Shah goes to Baghdad. Newspapers publish the decrees signed by the Shah. Shah supporters riot in the streets. Zahedi comes out of hiding, and is in control of the Government by the end of the day.
 * 1952**-Harry S. Truman was asked for help in overthrowing Mohammed Mossagegh
 * 1953**-Eisenhower is asked to help, and obliges.
 * 1953**-CIA organizes a guerilla force for the case that the Communist party wins an election.
 * 1953**-March, an Iranian General approaches the CIA's Tehran station supporting a coup.
 * 1953**-April, The Director of the CIA approves $1 million dollars to be used in Iran.
 * 1953**-May, CIA officials meet with British officals to produce Project Ajax.
 * 1953**-June, Officers of the CIA meet with MI6 officials in Beirut.
 * 1953**-July 11, President Eisenhower gives his final approval to the planned coup.
 * 1953**-July 29, The CIA begins using propaganda is American newspapers to weaken Mossadegh.
 * 1953**-August 1, The Shah refuses to sign a CIA written decree.
 * 1953**-August 13, The Shah signs the royal decree.
 * 1953**-August 15, The coup fails.
 * 1953**-August 19, A second coup begins.

Citations New York Times
 * http://www.nytimes.com/library/world/mideast/041600iran-cia-index.html