However, this close relationship also generated criticism within Iranian society. Many Iranians regarded American intervention in the 1953 coup as evidence that the monarchy depended on foreign support rather than domestic political legitimacy.
According to Amin Saikal, a significant proportion of the Iranian population viewed the Shah as an American puppet. This perception remained an important element of political opposition throughout his reign.
The Shah attempted to overcome this image by promoting Iranian nationalism, economic independence, and military strength. Nevertheless, his dependence on American military equipment, technical expertise, and financial assistance continued to undermine these efforts [101][102][103][104][105].
7. Iran’s Alignment with the Western Bloc during the Cold War
During the Cold War, Mohammad Reza Shah consistently aligned Iran with the Western bloc. His foreign policy was strongly influenced by the belief that cooperation with the United States and its allies was necessary to prevent Soviet expansion and preserve the monarchy.
Iran became an important participant in Western security arrangements in the Middle East. The country joined the Baghdad Pact, which was established in 1955 and later became known as the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO). The organization included Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, with American support.
The purpose of this alliance was to establish a regional security framework that could contain Soviet influence and strengthen cooperation among states located near the Soviet Union.
