Iran 1953 Crisis
March 31 - April 2
2017
Sponsored by The Collegiate Council on World Affairs
Hello delegates,
My name is Annette Gailliot, and I am thrilled to be your director for this crisis committee
here at OSUMUN! I grew up on a farm in Blanchester, Ohio, but love the city life here in
Columbus. Although my highschool did not have Model United Nations, I am so thankful to have
found the Collegiate Council on World Affairs and all of its branches. Model United Nations has
provided me with an interesting way to learn about the world with all of my friends, and I hope
your experience here at OSUMUN is as great as my time in CCWA has been!
I am a junior double-majoring in Financial Mathematics and Economics with a minor in
History. I plan to either go to graduate school for Finance or to further my internship into a fulltime career with Goldman Sachs in Salt Lake City. Although my professional career and area of
study does not focus on international relations or political science, I have found CCWA to be a
welcoming organization. I am an editor for the CCWA sponsored Alger Magazine, a student-run
publication focusing on critical analyses of global, political, cultural, and economic issues. I have
also had the privilege of serving as Co-Director of the CCWA sponsored United Nations
Association where I have organized and conducted events promoting awareness and advocacy for
UN issues such as the refugee crisis, LGBTQ+ rights, and human trafficking.
Last semester I took a class entitled “History of United States Relations in the Middle East”
as a way to finish up my history minor. I chose it in the hopes that I would better understand the
origins of current issues in the Middle East. During that class, I learned about the Iranian coup of
1953, a precursor to the Iranian Revolution of 1973, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, and the hold we
currently see in the Middle East. I was fascinated by the widespread impact and effects of this
subject, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to show all of you the impact and importance of
this major event. I hope that this crisis committee both challenges and inspires you, and that you
have enjoy learning about i the topic as much as I did. I can’t wait to meet all of you!
Sincerely,
Annette
Committee Introduction
Throughout history, the Middle East has been a hotbed of conflict, cultures, and personalities. Iran is in a
critical geographic location that leaves it susceptible to the influence of more powerful geopolitical
players. As part of the historical “Northern Tier”, which includes Iran, Turkey, and Greece, Iran has
never truly been allowed to exist on its own. Conflicting influence from Great Britain, the United States,
and the Soviet Union have forced Iran to pick sides, switch sides, and play the political game as best it
can.
In 1953, these issues conflate into an all-out crisis. Great Britain has been fighting to defend its oil
interests in Iran. The United States under President Truman has fought to allow Iran to lead itself
democratically. However, with the recent election of Dwight D. Eisenhower as President, the United
States’ foreign policy has changed. No longer following a strict policy of non-intervention, Eisenhower
and his advisors want Iran to fulfill its duty as a Northern Tier country as a blockade against Soviet
influence.
Within Iran, the political rule has been constantly changing. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi is currently in
power as the monarch of Iran. Characterized by his tyrannical rule and frequent use of his secret police,
SAVAK, the people have spoken up against him and brought to power the concurrent Prime Minister,
Mohammad Mossadegh. Mossadegh, an educated lawyer and politician, believes in nationalization,
secular democracy, and Iran’s right to rule itself. Frequently at odds with one another, the Shah and
Prime Minister characterize the conflict within Iran at this time.
Not to be left out, the Soviet Union has begun to increase its influence in Iran. After agreeing to take his
forces out of Iran after WWII, Stalin decides to support and prop up communist powers within the
country; the most powerful Communist party in Iran is the Tudeh party in the north.
As all of these powers begin to weave together into a hotbed of political conflict, Mossadegh does the
unthinkable and nationalizes the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC) in Iran. Great Britain, the primary
beneficiary and leader of the AIOC since 1913, is incensed by this action and looks to the United States,
its primary ally in the political fallout after WWII, to support it. Will the United States support the
democratic ideals of Mossadegh or will it support its ally Great Britain in propping up the Shah, its
political puppet? Will the Soviet Union be able to build its influence into Iran and throughout the
Northern Tier? Will there be a peaceful resolution, a coup, or all out war? Only you can decide.
Topic One: The AIOC
The History of Great Britain and Iran
The conflict between Great Britain and Iran has been developing over a long period of time. In 1908, the
Anglo-Persian Oil Company was formed. Led by British millionaire, William D’Arcy, it was the first
company to extract petroleum from Iran and, in 1913, it became primarily controlled by the British
Government. Throughout 1928-32, Iran sought to gain more control and benefit from the AIOC. At the
time, they got only around 36% of the profits from the AIOC, and, while profits declined only 36% in
1931, the Iranian share of profits declined by 76%. The United Nations then took up the conflict and,, a
new agreement was reached in 1933. The terms provided a 60 year concession to APOC and allowed
them to pick the best 260,000 square kilometers while forcing them to pay some small amounts to the
Iranian government. This deal heavily favored the British side and gave little advantages and incentives
to the Iranians.
Within the context of these historical disputes, discontent in Iran rose. In 1949, the UK offered a
“supplemental oil agreement” agreeing that payment to Iran would not drop below 4 million pounds and
that more Iranian nationals would be trained for administrative positions within the oil refineries.
However, it gave the Iranians no decision making power. When the United States made a 50-50 deal with
Saudi Arabia, the UK refused to do the same with Iran.
In 1951, Britain was receiving more from the AIOC than Iran. Conditions for the families and workers of
the oil refineries were awful and opportunities for advancement were nearly nonexistent. In March 1951,
Mossadegh was elected Prime Minister and was the leading voice of Iranian nationalization of AIOC.
Under his lead, the Majlis (the Iranian Parliament) unanimously voted to nationalize the AIOC. In 1952,
Britain tried to take Iran to the International Court of Justice to argue that Iran was not legally allowed to
nationalize the AIOC. However, the Court said that they “accepted the Iranian argument that the dispute
was between the Iranian government and a foreign corporation, not the British government; since the
dispute was not about a treaty or convention with a foreign government, it was subject to Iranian domestic
law."
In the midst of this crisis, you are left to determine what will happen. Historically the United States has
sided with Mossadegh. However, with the new president in power, the United States’ position has been
rumored to be shifting. The newly created Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been growing in power
and reach. Will the United States side with the United Kingdom against nationalization in order to block
growing Soviet power? Mossadegh has been rumored to have communist ties, and United States officials
are uncertain if Iranian nationalization will lead to further revolution throughout the Middle East.
Topic Two: Beginning of Cold War Dynamics
Soviet Union and United States in Conflict
The United States has historically either not been involved in international affairs or has sided with
democratically elected leaders. However, the power vacuum left after WWII has left the United States in
a new, powerful position. At the heart of this crisis lies the beginnings of Cold War power dynamics the
country will see throughout the rest of the century.
Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin has begun to test the limits of his power throughout post-WWII Europe.
Furthermore, he has begun expansion into the Middle East. During the end of WWII, he began setting up
his avenues to power in the Middle East. It is uncertain to the United States and United Kingdom how
much power Stalin has accumulated throughout Iran and the Middle East. They know he has ties to the
Tudeh party in Northern Iran. Leaving some troops there after the war and secretly supporting the party,
Stalin has left an avenue open in the Northern Tier.
Mossadegh has been rumored to have ties to the communist party as well. He has been continually
working with both the United States and the Soviet Union. However, it is unclear if he has picked a side
or if he is playing both sides. In 1944, he blocked Soviet attempts to drill for oil in Northern Iran.
However, he still received aid from the Soviets during his time as Prime Minister. The Shah on the other
hand has primarily sided with the United States and United Kingdom (from whom he receives most of his
power and support). While the United States generally supports democracy, their fear of an expanding
communist and Soviet influence throughout the Middle East has made them wary of Mossadegh’s radical
ideals.
Topic Three: Democracy within Iran
The Question of Mossadegh’s Power
Within Iran, there have been multiple conflicting parties throughout the past few decades. Mohammad
Reza Pahlavi’s father, Reza Shah, overthrew the dynastic Qajar empire that had ruled Iran for centuries.
Hailed at first as an idealistic ruler on the side of the people, he quickly turned into a tyrant. In 1941, he
was forced to abdicate his rule to his son, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. The Shah at this age was known
mostly as a playboy monarch, interested in sports, cars, and women. Having already survived two
assassination attempts and achieving little popularity, the Shah in 1953 was seen as a Western propped up
leader who demonstrated no ability to rule.
Furthermore, there were conflicting parties within the Majlis. Mossadegh lead the National Front, a
democratic, secular party concerned with Iranian interests and nationalization. On the other side were the
Royalists who supported the Shah and generally Western interests. Furthermore, there was the Tudeh
party in northern Iran that was growing in popularity and was bringing about support for communist
ideals. These three parties presented a political maze through which Mossadegh had to navigate .
In 1953, these powers are all strong and in conflict. Mossadegh has the seeming support of Fatemi and
Kashani, two powerful voices in the government. However, it is unclear if Kashani will continue to
support the National Front as conflict with the United Kingdom has increased. Furthermore, Reza
Radmanesh, has been expanding Tudeh power and forces in Northern Iran. It is unclear what his next
move will be. Fazlollah Zahedi, the brutal general of the Iranian forces, has been gaining fearful support
with the help of Nematollah Nassiri, the head of the Shah’s secret police. Furthermore, the Ayatollah
Mohammad Behbahani has been stirring up religious fervor against the democratic National Front and its
leader, Mossadegh.
The Setting
It is rumored that CIA agents have been seen in Iran. What they are up to is unknown, but aggression
between all sides is rising. The British are forcefully fighting against a democratic Iran as they also try to
contain an increasingly democratic Egypt and Middle East in general. Left with diminishing power in the
aftermath of WWII, the United Kingdom is left trying to find a way to remain a world superpower. On
the other hand, the newly powerful Soviet Union is becoming an ever-growing force of which to take
notice. How the United States will deal with these changing geopolitical positions will define the events
of the rest of the century.
It will be crucial for all parties and governments to set up networks and relations with one another. In this
convoluted web of past alliances and new grievances, relationships are always altering and the future
could change at an instant.
For our use:
The Players:
Dwight D. Eisenhower -- President of the United States
Mohammad Mossadegh -- Prime Minister of Iran (National Front)
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi -- Shah of Iran (Royalist)
Joseph Stalin -- Premier of the Soviet Union
Winston Churchill -- Prime Minister of UK
Allen Dulles -- head of the CIA
Kermit Roosevelt Jr. -- head of the CIA in Iran
Donald Wilber -- Second in command of CIA
John Foster Dulles -- US Secretary of State
Hossein Fatemi -- Foreign Affairs Minister of Iran (National Front)
Abol-Ghasem Kashani -- Speaker of the Majles (National Front)
Fazlollah Zahedi -- General of Iran (Royalist)
Nematollah Nassiri -- Director of SAVAK (Royalist)
Mohammad Behbahani -- pro-Shah Ayatollah (Royalist)
Sir Anthony Eden -- British Foreign Secretary
Monty Woodhouse -- MI6 Agent in Tehran
Reza Radmanesh -- leader of the Tudeh party