The UK government is facing calls to formally acknowledge its role in inciting the 1953 coup in Iran that overthrew the democratically elected leader, Mohammad Mosadegh. Former British foreign secretary, David Owen, believes that admitting Britain’s part in the coup would enhance the country’s credibility globally and support the Iranian reform movement.
Owen, who served as London’s foreign secretary between 1977 and 1979, stated that “there are good reasons for acknowledging the UK’s role with the US in 1953 in overthrowing democratic developments.” By acknowledging the wrongdoing and the damage caused to the development of a democratic Iran, Owen believes that reforms are more likely to occur in the present.
The United States formally admitted its involvement in the coup ten years ago, when it declassified intelligence documents revealing that it was a joint operation by the CIA and MI6, originally codenamed ‘Operation Boot’. However, the UK has so far refrained from commenting on matters of intelligence and has not officially acknowledged its role in the operation.
The coup plans were first drafted by the UK after Mosadegh became Iran’s prime minister in 1951, following the nationalization of a British oil company in the country. Initially, the US government, led by Harry Truman, rejected the British overtures. However, prime minister Winston Churchill successfully persuaded Truman’s successor, Dwight Eisenhower, to collaborate on the effort.
In early 1953, the UK and US intelligence services began planning the operation, which was renamed ‘Ajax’. The operation aimed to achieve regime change through the bribery of Iranian politicians, high-ranking security and army officials, and extensive anti-Mossadegh propaganda that helped fuel a public revolt. The coup ultimately brought Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi back to power.
However, Owen argues that the Western undermining of Iranian democracy directly contributed to the downfall of the shah’s regime during the Islamic Revolution of 1978.
Acknowledging the role played by the UK in the 1953 coup is not only about rectifying historical wrongdoing but also about acknowledging the impact it has had on Iran’s political landscape. It is hoped that by acknowledging the past, the UK can promote transparency, trust, and support for Iran’s reform movement.
The call for acknowledgment comes at a crucial time when tensions between Iran and the West are high. The international community is closely monitoring developments in Iran, particularly in relation to its nuclear program and human rights records. By taking responsibility for its past actions, the UK can strengthen its position as a credible and reliable partner in the region.
It remains to be seen how the UK government will respond to these calls for acknowledgment. However, it is clear that an acknowledgment of the past would be a significant step towards repairing the relationship between the UK and Iran and promoting democratic reforms in the country.
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