One of the most significant events of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s reign was the political confrontation surrounding Iran’s oil industry.
For decades, British interests had exercised considerable control over Iranian petroleum production through the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.
Many Iranians believed that the country received an unfair share of the profits generated from its natural resources.
In 1951, Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh nationalized the Iranian oil industry, gaining widespread popular support.
The decision created a major confrontation with Britain, which imposed economic pressure and challenged Iran’s control over oil operations.
Relations between Mosaddegh and the Shah also deteriorated as they disagreed over constitutional authority and control of the armed forces.
In August 1953, Mosaddegh was overthrown in a coup supported by British and American intelligence agencies and carried out with the participation of Iranian political and military forces.
The Shah, who had temporarily fled Iran during the crisis, returned after Mosaddegh’s removal.
The coup became a turning point in Iranian history.
