Iran Essay

The United States and Iran (then Persia) relations began in the late 1800’s. King Nasser-al-Din Shah sent an ambassador to Washington D.C. although Americans had been traveling to Iran since the mid 1800’s (1,1). From the late 1800’s till World War II, relations were very friendly and many of the representatives for Iran saw the United States as a “third force” in there drive to break free from the British and Russian dominance in Persian affairs (1,1). The United States relations with Iran led was very costly as it led to many highly appointed officials to be killed by those affiliated with the British and Russian influence (1,1). Although relationships with the United States were very friendly for more than half a century, many changes were made in Iran that led to a turning point in Iran’s and United States’ relationship (1,1). In 1950 Ali Razmara becomes prime minister, who was very sympathetic to the West (9,1). Less than 9 months later he is assassinated and on April 28, 1951 the Majlis (Iranian Parliament) appointed the nationalist, Muhammad Mossedeq the prime minister (3,2). Mossedeq began his reign by enforcing the Oil Nationalization Act which was backed up by the Iranian Parliament (9,1). The Oil Nationalization Act was to nationalize the oil industry, which was then controlled by Britain (3,2). Britain was against the Mossedeq reign and tried to influence the United States to take action but the United States was not persuaded under the Truman administration (5,3). The British government announced that it would not allow Mossedeq government to export any oil produced in the factories formerly controlled by the British (9,3). Britain put up a blockade to stop any oil from leaving Iran. In the process it caused Mossedeq’s economy to go from a profit of over $100 million to debt of $10 million Mossedeq to gain power because of his stands for the common people (9,2). Mossedeq moved to limit foreign interests in Iran and limit the power of the shah (9,2).