Operation Ajax, officially known as TPAJAX Project, was a covert operation orchestrated by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) in 1953. Its objective was to overthrow Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and reinstate Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's rule.^【1】  This operation marked one of the first major CIA interventions in the Middle East and had significant ramifications for Iran and global geopolitics.

Background

By the early 1950s, Prime Minister Mossadegh had nationalized the Iranian oil industry, which had previously been controlled by the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC).^【2】  This move was immensely popular in Iran but provoked a strong backlash from Britain, which sought U.S. support to undermine Mossadegh’s government.

The geopolitical context of the Cold War further heightened Western concerns about Iran. Mossadegh’s administration, though not communist, was perceived as susceptible to Soviet influence. This fear provided justification for covert intervention.

The Plan

The operation was led by CIA agent Kermit Roosevelt Jr. and involved a combination of propaganda, bribery, and orchestrated unrest. The key elements of the plan included:

• Propaganda Campaign: Spreading anti-Mossadegh narratives to delegitimize his government.
• Bribery: Securing the support of Iranian military officials, politicians, and clergy.
• Orchestrated Protests: Encouraging demonstrations and clashes to create the appearance of widespread opposition to Mossadegh.

Execution^【3】 

Operation Ajax was launched in August 1953. Initially, the operation faced setbacks, with Mossadegh’s forces resisting the coup attempt. However, sustained efforts, including U.S. financial support and strategic alliances with key Iranian figures, ultimately led to the collapse of Mossadegh’s government on August 19, 1953. Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi returned to power shortly thereafter.

Aftermath and Legacy^【4】 

Operation Ajax had profound consequences for Iran and the wider region:

• Iran: The Shah's reinstatement ushered in a period of authoritarian rule, which ultimately contributed to the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
• U.S.-Iran Relations: The operation fueled long-standing resentment toward the United States and Britain, shaping Iran’s anti-Western sentiment.
• Global Implications: Operation Ajax became a template for subsequent U.S. covert interventions during the Cold War.