Iran’s Relations with the United States of America between 1951-1953(document analysis) of the Causes of the 28th Mordad Coup d’état

Subject Areas :

Ali Jadidi ¹

1 - دانشجوی دکتری علوم سیاسی دانشگاه آزاد اسلامی واحد شهرضا [e-mail]

Received: 2011-03-18 Accepted : 2012-01-17 Published : 2011-12-01

Keywords: Iran, political relations, America, nationalization of oil industry, 28th Mordad coup d’état,

Abstract :

The contemporary history of Iran in years 1951-53 is having great importance for several reasons. One of the important aspects of this period is the people’s movement for nationalization of oil and the reaction of the government of the United States about it. The present article by emphasis on the interests of the United States wants to examine the factors which led to change of the United States attitude towards the nationalization of oil industry and Dr. Mosaddegh’s government. Contrary to prevailing view that the fear of the expansion of power of the communism was the main factor for change of the United States attitude towards Dr. Mosaddegh’s government, the paper is of the view that the strategic location of Iran and getting a share in the oil resources of Iran was the main consideration for the United States. The United States took advantage of the situation in the peak of Britain’s dispute with Iran on oil and by an opportunistic stand on occasions supported Iran’s position in getting her rights but when the British declared their readiness to share the interests in Iran with them on the basis of balance of interests, the American accepted the British view point and practically were prepared to cooperate with the plan of coup d’état. The article makes use of historicaldocumentary method for analyzing the issue. The focus on this issue is of great importance because the repercussion of the relations of this period cast shadow on Iran- America relations.