Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography, & More The Iranian Revolution
Feb 3, 2026
A sweep through Iran’s 20th century clash of monarchy, oil, and foreign meddling. Stories of nationalization, a 1953 coup, and booming oil riches that widened inequality. The rise of a religious movement in exile, smuggled sermons, mass protests, and the swift collapse of royal rule. A look at how a new theocratic system replaced the old order and its wider ripple effects.
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Modernization Fueled Elite Wealth And Resentment
- The Pahlavi modernization concentrated wealth among elites while opening Iran to foreign oil interests.
- That unequal growth and perceived loss of sovereignty intensified nationalist opposition.
Mossadegh's Rise And Oil Nationalization
- The Majlis elected Mohamed Mossadegh in 1951 and he pushed to nationalize Iranian oil.
- His nationalization campaign made him a hero in Iran and an enemy of Britain and the United States.
1953 Coup Deepened Anti-Western Sentiment
- The CIA and MI6 engineered Operation Ajax to overthrow Mossadegh and restore the Shah's autocracy.
- The coup deepened popular distrust of Western interference and left nationalism smoldering.