Episode Summary: "The First CIA Coup: Oil, Iran, and MI6"
Podcast: The Rest Is Classified
Hosts: David McCloskey & Gordon Carrera
Release Date: November 27, 2024
Introduction to the 1953 Iranian Coup
In the inaugural episode of The Rest Is Classified, hosts David McCloskey and Gordon Carrera delve into the intricate and clandestine events surrounding the 1953 coup in Iran. This pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history not only reshaped Iran's political landscape but also had lasting implications for global geopolitics.
Historical Context: The Strategic Importance of Iranian Oil
The episode begins by setting the stage in early 20th-century Iran, emphasizing the country's vast oil reserves and the pivotal role of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (now BP) in controlling these resources. Gordon Carrera highlights the strategic significance of the Abadan refinery, which was crucial for the Royal Navy's operations.
Gordon Carrera [07:38]: "Iran had always had a strategic role, you know, where it is in the Middle East, part of the great game for influence between Russia and Britain in the 19th century. But in the 20th century, oil becomes much more important."
Rise of Mohammed Mossadegh and Nationalization of Oil
Mohammed Mossadegh emerges as a central figure—a charismatic and passionate nationalist who champions the nationalization of Iran's oil industry. His ascendancy to Prime Minister in 1951 is portrayed as a response to growing domestic pressures against foreign exploitation.
Gordon Carrera [10:04]: "He's a politician who could also be a kind of passionate speaker, a passionate nationalist pushing for Iran to take control of the oil."
Mossadegh's move to nationalize the oil was immensely popular in Iran but posed a significant threat to British economic interests and the broader geopolitical stability in the region.
British and American Response: The Birth of Operation Ajax
Faced with the challenge of retaining control over Iranian oil, British authorities, under Prime Minister Winston Churchill, initially explore diplomatic and economic pressures. However, as these measures prove ineffective, the decision is made to orchestrate a covert operation to remove Mossadegh.
Gordon Carrera [14:20]: "Operation Boot... they're trying to boot Mossadegh out."
Transitioning from Operation Boot to Operation Ajax, the British intelligence agency MI6 collaborates with the newly established American CIA, led by Allen Dulles. This partnership marks a significant fusion of British espionage expertise with American financial and political clout.
Key Figures: Kermit Roosevelt and MI6 Operatives
Kermit Roosevelt, the grandson of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, is depicted as the CIA's on-ground operative spearheading the coup. His character is portrayed with a mix of aristocratic lineage and unconventional behavior, making him a pivotal yet complex figure in the operation.
Gordon Carrera [20:09]: "Kermit is... a kind of imperial adventurer in many ways."
Monty Woodhouse, a seasoned MI6 officer with a flamboyant personality, complements Roosevelt’s efforts. Their combined expertise and resources are crucial in executing the coup strategy.
Execution of the Coup: Covert Operations and Propaganda
The operation involves a multifaceted approach:
- Economic Pressures: Implementing sanctions and oil boycotts to weaken Mossadegh's support.
- Propaganda Campaign: Spreading misinformation to depict Mossadegh as a communist sympathizer, thereby polarizing public opinion.
- Support Assets: Utilizing influential local families like the Rashidian brothers to mobilize street action and create chaos.
Gordon Carrera [27:07]: "They can get mobs out on the street. And that's kind of the plan, isn't it?"
The hosts discuss the psychological tactics employed, including the manipulation of media and exploitation of existing political instability within Iran.
Climactic Moments: The Failed Attempt and Rising Tensions
As the operation unfolds, tensions escalate. Kermit Roosevelt's undercover activities, characterized by his unorthodox methods and heavy drinking, add a layer of unpredictability to the mission. The dramatic climax occurs when Mossadegh announces on the radio that a coup attempt has failed, leading to the Shah fleeing the country in panic.
Gordon Carrera [40:59]: "Mossadegh is there and he's on the radio saying, 'I have been victorious over a coup attempt led by the Shah and foreign elements.'"
This moment signifies a temporary setback for the coup plotters, highlighting the fragile nature of their plans amidst Iran's volatile political environment.
Legacy and Long-Term Implications
The episode concludes by reflecting on the long-term consequences of the 1953 coup. The overthrow of Mossadegh and the reinstatement of the Shah set the stage for future unrest, culminating in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The hosts underscore how this historical event fostered deep-seated animosities towards Western powers in Iran, sentiments that persist to this day.
Gordon Carrera [06:18]: "It's a story worth telling... it's hugely important in Iran. It shapes Iran, it shapes the Middle East."
Notable Quotes
- Gordon Carrera [10:04]: "He's a passionate speaker, a passionate nationalist pushing for Iran to take control of the oil."
- Gordon Carrera [14:20]: "Operation Boot... they're trying to boot Mossadegh out."
- Gordon Carrera [27:07]: "They can get mobs out on the street. And that's kind of the plan, isn't it?"
- Gordon Carrera [40:59]: "Mossadegh is there and he's on the radio saying, 'I have been victorious over a coup attempt led by the Shah and foreign elements.'"
Conclusion
Episode 1 of The Rest Is Classified offers a comprehensive exploration of the 1953 CIA-MI6 orchestrated coup in Iran. Through detailed narration and insightful analysis, McCloskey and Carrera illuminate the complexities of espionage, the intricate dance of international politics, and the enduring impact of covert operations on modern geopolitics. This episode sets a promising tone for the series, promising listeners an in-depth journey into the shadowy world of spies and espionage.
Additional Information
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