Operation Ajax, also known as the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, was a covert CIA-led operation

Operation Ajax, also known as the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, was a covert CIA-led operation in collaboration with British intelligence (MI6) to overthrow the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in Iran. The operation took place in 1953 during the Cold War. The main reason for the operation was the nationalization of Iran's oil industry, which was previously controlled by British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (now BP). The operation involved propaganda, political pressure, and supporting anti-Mossadegh factions, leading to his removal from power and the reinstatement of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi as the ruler of Iran. This event had significant and lasting effects on Iran's political landscape and its relations with the West.