History As It Happens: Jimmy Carter, the Shah, and the Ayatollah Episode Release Date: January 24, 2025 Host: Martin Di Caro

Introduction

In this compelling episode of History As It Happens, host Martin Di Caro delves into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-Iran relations during the late 1970s, focusing on President Jimmy Carter’s tenure, the reign of the Shah of Iran, and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini. Through insightful interviews with historian Gregory Brew and an analysis of pivotal events, the episode unravels the historical threads that have shaped contemporary geopolitics in the Middle East.

The Legacy of the Shah and U.S. Support

The episode commences by examining the legacy of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, whose relationship with the United States began with the pivotal 1953 coup d'état that reinstated him to power. Brew explains, “By the late 1960s, the Shah had become much more autonomous than he was in 1953,” highlighting his efforts to balance U.S. support with a degree of independence (16:35).

Key Points:

• 1953 Coup: The U.S. involvement in toppling Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh solidified the Shah's power, establishing a long-term U.S.-Iran alliance.
• Autonomy and Modernization: The Shah pursued aggressive modernization and industrialization policies, fostering close ties with Western nations while maintaining a cautious stance towards Soviet influence.
• Military Aid: Throughout the 1970s, Iran's arms purchases from the U.S. soared, with Brew noting, “Iran spent $16 billion buying weapons from the United States” between 1972 and 1977 (30:32).

Notable Quote:

“The Shah was always conscious of how his government had been put into power and that if the stars aligned in a different direction, potentially another government would be put into power to replace him.” — Gregory Brew (16:50)

Jimmy Carter’s Presidency and Foreign Policy Challenges

Martin Di Caro outlines President Jimmy Carter’s ascent to power in 1977 and his initial approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran. Despite Carter’s reputation as a human rights advocate, his administration continued substantial military support to the Shah, a decision that would later come under intense scrutiny.

Key Points:

• Carter’s Dual Approach: While advocating for human rights, Carter maintained military aid to Iran, resulting in contradictory policies. Brew elaborates, “Carter more or less held position on most of what had characterized U.S. foreign policy with Iran” despite growing congressional and public criticism (02:21).
• Public Criticism: Carter’s 1976 debate remarks criticized the previous administration's extensive arms sales to Iran, stating, “Iran is going to get 80 F14s before we even meet our own Air force orders for F14s” (37:59).

Notable Quote:

“Carter more or less held position on most of what had characterized U.S. foreign policy with Iran.” — Gregory Brew (02:21)

The Shah’s Declining Power and Rising Unrest

As the Shah's regime grappled with widespread dissatisfaction, Iran teetered on the brink of revolution. The episode details key events, including the infamous Jala Square massacre on September 8, 1978, where security forces violently suppressed peaceful protests, leading to international condemnation and exacerbating internal tensions.

Key Points:

• Jala Square Massacre: Security forces killed several hundred protesters, a turning point that galvanized opposition against the Shah (08:58).
• Economic Strain: The Shah’s relentless focus on modernization led to economic disparities, corruption, and inflated petrodollars, fueling public resentment.
• Religious and Political Opposition: Ayatollah Khomeini emerged as a central figure opposing the Shah, using religious influence to mobilize dissent (10:56).

Notable Quote:

“Now when an outfit like the international commission of jurists comes here and then comes out with a report saying that in spite of what you say, your majesty, torture continues… they have even accused Great Britain of acting against human rights.” — Jimmy Carter (04:17)

The Iranian Revolution and the Shah’s Exile

The culmination of escalating unrest was the Iranian Revolution, which saw the Shah flee Iran in January 1979. Khomeini returned from exile in February, spearheading the establishment of an Islamic Republic that would drastically alter U.S.-Iran relations.

Key Points:

• Shah’s Exile: Under mounting pressure, the Shah left Iran for vacation from which he would never return, a move that destabilized the region further (02:21).
• Khomeini’s Return: Ayatollah Khomeini's return marked the definitive end of the Pahlavi dynasty and the onset of an Islamic Republic (09:53).
• U.S. Response: The Carter administration struggled to navigate the rapidly changing political landscape, ultimately supporting a provisional government that failed to stabilize the nation (10:56).

Notable Quote:

“We have no intention, neither ability nor desire to interfere in the internal affairs of Iran.” — Jimmy Carter (11:47)

The Hostage Crisis and Its Aftermath

One of the most defining moments of Carter’s presidency was the Iran Hostage Crisis, initiated by the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979, shortly after the Shah was admitted to the United States for medical treatment. This event not only symbolized the collapse of diplomatic relations but also severely undermined Carter’s presidency.

Key Points:

• Hostage Siege: Sixty American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days, becoming a symbol of Iran’s hostility towards the U.S. (00:34).
• Carter’s Dilemma: Carter’s decision to admit the Shah, despite the risks, was a critical factor leading to the hostage crisis. Brew reflects, “Carter was under a lot of pressure from Republicans… to let the Shah in because he had been an ally” (56:45).
• Diplomatic Failures: The crisis highlighted the structural constraints of U.S. foreign policy, where longstanding alliances hindered effective responses to emerging threats (13:23).

Notable Quote:

“The nature of these demonstrations shows that they're violent, they're nihilistic, they are working for world disorder, terrorism, and we are not a weakling that is going to fall.” — Jimmy Carter (03:36)

Structural Constraints of U.S. Foreign Policy

Gregory Brew provides a nuanced analysis of how entrenched U.S. foreign policy structures limited Carter’s ability to negotiate effectively with the Shah and later with the new Islamic Republic. The continuity of policies from previous administrations created a framework that prioritized geopolitical stability over humanitarian concerns.

Key Points:

• Policy Continuity: U.S. foreign policy towards Iran remained largely consistent from Nixon to Carter, emphasizing strategic alliances despite human rights abuses (13:23).
• Limited Leverage: The U.S. was heavily invested in maintaining the Shah as a strategic ally, particularly for intelligence operations against the Soviet Union (27:49).
• Realpolitik: Decisions were driven by practical geopolitical considerations rather than ideological consistency, often leading to moral compromises (30:35).

Notable Quote:

“Our priorities ought to be, first of all, to meet our own military needs. Secondly, to meet the needs of our allies and friends.” — Jimmy Carter’s opponent (38:26)

Lessons for Contemporary U.S.-Iran Relations

Concluding the episode, Martin Di Caro and Gregory Brew draw parallels between the historical U.S.-Iran dynamics and the present-day challenges. Brew speculates on the potential strategies of Donald Trump’s administration in 2025, emphasizing the unpredictability and enduring tensions that trace back to the Carter era.

Key Points:

• Enduring Tensions: U.S.-Iran relations remain strained, with historical grievances like the 1953 coup and the hostage crisis continuing to influence diplomatic interactions (55:47).
• Trump’s Strategies: The episode anticipates a return to a "maximum pressure" campaign, reflecting a hardline stance reminiscent of past policies but with new complexities due to Iran’s evolving geopolitical role (59:05).
• Unpredictable Outcomes: The uncertain nature of Trump’s approach introduces potential for both escalations and diplomatic breakthroughs, echoing the ambiguity faced by Carter (59:52).

Notable Quote:

“I don’t see a whole lot of scope for that [a positive relationship without the hostage crisis]. It’s sort of the defining trauma.” — Gregory Brew (58:35)

Conclusion

History As It Happens masterfully reconstructs a critical period in U.S.-Iran relations, offering deep insights into how historical policies and pivotal events have reshaped the modern Middle East landscape. Through detailed analysis and expert commentary, the episode underscores the complexities of foreign policy decision-making and its long-term ramifications.

As Martin Di Caro aptly concludes, the legacies of Jimmy Carter’s decisions continue to reverberate, reminding us that history’s lessons are ever-relevant in addressing current and future international challenges.

Next Episode Preview: In the forthcoming episode, the podcast will explore the contentious debates surrounding genocide, particularly focusing on the current situation in Gaza and its impact on scholarly discourse.

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