Mosaddegh’s government faced opposition from several directions. The Shah and his supporters were concerned about the growing authority of the prime minister. Conservative political groups opposed aspects of Mosaddegh’s policies. Religious figures and political organizations shifted positions over time. The Tudeh Party, major communist party, also became an important factor in the political calculations of the period. This complex environment eventually produced the dramatic events of August 1953.
The overthrow of Mosaddegh is one of the most studied episodes in modern history. Declassified documents and later historical research have established that the CIA and British intelligence were involved in planning and supporting the operation against Mosaddegh. The American operation was known as TPAJAX, while British involvement was associated with Operation Boot. The first attempt to remove Mosaddegh from office, on August 15–16, failed.
