Podcast Title: The Rest Is Classified
Episode: 2. The First CIA Coup: Turmoil in Tehran
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Hosts: David McCloskey & Gordon Corera

Introduction

In the second episode of The Rest Is Classified, hosts David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst turned spy novelist, and Gordon Corera, a veteran security correspondent, delve into the intricacies of the first major CIA-led coup—the 1953 overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. This detailed exploration uncovers the clandestine operations, key players, and lasting impacts of Operation Ajax, shedding light on a pivotal moment that reshaped Middle Eastern politics and international relations.

Background: Iran's Oil Nationalization and Mossadegh's Rise

The episode opens with the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry under Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, challenging British control and igniting tensions between Iran and Western powers. Mossadegh's move to nationalize oil was a bold step towards asserting Iranian sovereignty but made him a target for British and American intelligence agencies wary of Soviet influence.

Notable Quote:

"Mossadegh had failed horribly." (03:17)

Gordon Corera emphasizes that Mossadegh's actions, while aiming for national independence, inadvertently paved the way for external intervention, setting the stage for the coup.

Planning the Coup: Kermit Roosevelt's Leadership

Central to the narrative is Kermit Roosevelt, the CIA operative orchestrating the coup. Drawing parallels to his illustrious lineage—being the grandson of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt—Kermit's involvement underscores the deep-rooted interests the U.S. had in maintaining control over Iranian oil resources.

Notable Quote:

"If I had been but a few years younger, I'd love nothing better than to have served under your command in this great venture." (02:30)

This poignant exchange between Kermit and a dramatized Winston Churchill highlights the blend of personal ambition and geopolitical strategy driving the operation.

Execution: From Chaos to Control

The execution of Operation Ajax was marked by a series of meticulously planned maneuvers intended to destabilize Mossadegh’s government and restore the Shah to power.

1. Initial Setbacks:

   • The first attempt to dismiss Mossadegh faltered when Colonel Nasiri, tasked with arresting the Prime Minister, found the military chief of staff’s house empty due to a leaked operation.
   • Mossadegh's loyal soldiers resisted, leading to Colonel Nasiri's arrest and a temporary failure of the initial plan.

   Notable Quote:

   "Mossadegh had failed horribly." (03:17)

2. Adaptation and Mobilization:

   • Unfazed by the initial setback, Roosevelt improvised by securing General Zahidi, a strongman perceived as capable of restoring order.
   • With decrees signed by the Shah, Roosevelt disseminated falsified orders to legitimize the dismissal of Mossadegh, ensuring the operation maintained a veneer of legality.

3. Creating Chaos:

   • The coup involved orchestrating street chaos through paid mobs, fostering an environment of instability that strengthened the rationale for intervention.
   • Religious groups aligned against Mossadegh complemented these actions, further isolating the Prime Minister.

   Notable Quote:

   "They're fermenting chaos on the streets. They are organizing mobs to protest." (07:32)

4. The Shah's Departure and Return:

   • As tensions peaked, the Shah fled Tehran, only to return triumphantly after the coup's success, perceiving it as a restoration of his rightful authority.

   Notable Quote:

   "At every critical juncture in the story, the Shah leaves." (10:31)

Aftermath: Shifting Power and Oil Control

The successful coup resulted in a seismic shift in Iran's political landscape:

• Oil Dominance:

  • British and American interests regained substantial control over Iran’s oil, with BP securing a 40% stake and American companies obtaining an additional 40%.

  Notable Quote:

  "It's a transfer of Iran effectively being under British influence to being under American influence." (24:38)

• Consolidation of Power:

  • The Shah’s reinstatement marked the beginning of a pro-American dictatorship that lasted until the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
  • The CIA's involvement laid the groundwork for future interventions, fostering long-term resentment towards Western powers in the region.

• Human Cost:

  • The coup was not without its human toll, with approximately 300 casualties, half of which occurred during the fierce battle at Mossadegh's residence.

Consequences and Reflections

Hosts reflect on the broader implications of the coup:

1. Legacy of CIA Interventions:

   • Operation Ajax set a precedent for CIA involvement in foreign coups, influencing U.S. foreign policy for decades.
   • Subsequent operations, such as those in Guatemala and Syria, often drew lessons from the perceived success and overconfidence of the 1953 coup.

   Notable Quote:

   "The CIA thought, hey, we can do coups, we can overthrow countries, it's easy, it's possible." (25:12)

2. Enduring Resentment:

   • The coup fostered a narrative of Western manipulation and exploitation, fueling anti-American and anti-British sentiments that persist in Iran and the broader Middle East.

   Notable Quote:

   "It feeds a resentment against the US and UK, which certainly lives on in Iran and other countries." (27:20)

3. Historical Accountability:

   • While the CIA has declassified some documents regarding Operation Ajax, much of the operation remains shrouded in secrecy.
   • The British MI6 continues to withhold official acknowledgment of its role, despite memoirs and accounts revealing their involvement.

   Notable Quote:

   "The Brits still will not acknowledge their role in the coup of '53. MI6 won't acknowledge it." (30:26)

4. Personal Regrets:

   • Figures like Kermit Roosevelt later expressed skepticism about the long-term efficacy of such interventions, recognizing that superficial victories could lead to deeper instability.

   Notable Quote:

   "Kermit himself suggests that they learned the wrong lessons and that actually what you need to do is understand the dynamics of the country." (25:22)

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale

The episode concludes by positioning Operation Ajax as a complex, multifaceted event with far-reaching consequences. It underscores the delicate balance between strategic objectives and ethical considerations in intelligence operations. The 1953 Tehran coup serves as a poignant reminder of how covert actions can reshape nations, influence global politics, and leave an indelible mark on international relations.

Final Notable Quote:

"The rest is classified." (30:57)

This closing remark encapsulates the enduring mystery and controversy surrounding covert operations, leaving listeners contemplating the unseen hands that shape history.

Time-Stamped Highlights

• Introductory Sponsorship Skipped: [00:04] – [01:59]
• Operation Overview Begins: [01:49] – [27:59]
• Advertisements and Non-Content Sections Ignored: All segments marked as advertisements ([00:04] – [01:11], [01:11] – [01:49], [12:00] – [13:42])

Key Takeaways

• Operation Ajax was a pivotal CIA-led coup that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadegh, reinstating the Shah and realigning Iran’s oil industry under Western control.
• The coup's execution involved intricate planning, misinformation, and the orchestration of street chaos, demonstrating early Cold War-era intervention tactics.
• Long-term consequences of the coup include entrenched anti-Western sentiments in Iran, setting the stage for future conflicts and revolution.
• Historical accountability remains limited, with many aspects of the coup still classified, fueling ongoing debates about the ethics and effectiveness of such covert operations.

Further Listening

For those intrigued by the complexities of espionage and covert operations, Episode 2 of The Rest Is Classified offers an in-depth look into one of the Cold War’s most significant interventions. Through expert analysis and vivid storytelling, McCloskey and Corera illuminate the shadows where history’s pivotal moments often unfold.

Time Markers Explained:

• 00:04 – Advertisement begins
• 01:49 – Transition to content
• Various timestamps – Highlighted quotes and key moments during the episode

Note: This summary omits non-content segments such as advertisements, intros, and outros to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the podcast episode.