🇮🇷 Main Topic: Why Iran Has Hostility Toward the U.S.

• Core Argument: Iran’s hostility is a direct result of decades of U.S. imperialism, including coups, economic interference, covert operations, and ongoing sanctions.
• Distinction: Anger is not directed at regular Americans but at U.S. government actions and foreign policy.

🛢️ Early 20th Century: Oil & Empire

1921–1941: Reza Shah’s Rise

• UK-backed coup installs Reza Shah, primarily to secure British control over oil.
• During WWII, UK and USSR split Iran and occupied it to block Nazi access to oil.
• After the war, UK didn’t leave, and retained influence over Iranian oil.

🏛️ 1951–1953: Mossadegh & the CIA Coup

Nationalization of Oil

• PM Mohammad Mossadegh leads movement to nationalize the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC).
• UK cuts ties, then asks U.S. to overthrow Mossadegh.

CIA Coup: Operation Ajax

• Led by Kermit Roosevelt (grandson of Theodore Roosevelt).
• CIA funded street protests, propaganda, and paid local military and gang leaders.
• First coup attempt fails; second one succeeds.
• Shah is reinstated with expanded autocratic power; martial law declared.
• Iranian oil handed over to a Western consortium, nominally respecting nationalization, but NIOC had limited power.