Tom Meredith

In the shadowy world of intelligence and covert operations, the history of MI6, the British Secret Intelligence Service, in Tehran stands out as a significant yet often overlooked chapter. Spanning from the early 20th century to the present day, MI6's involvement in Iran has encompassed a complex interplay of political intrigue, wartime strategy, and diplomatic maneuvering. This was partially influenced by an excellent couple of episodes recently released on the Rest is Classified podcast.

The Early 20th Century: Seeds of Espionage

The roots of MI6's operations in Iran can be traced back to the geopolitical landscape shaped by World War I. As the British sought to secure oil supplies and maintain influence in the region, Tehran became a focal point for intelligence gathering. The British recognised Iran's strategic importance, given its proximity to the Soviet Union and the vital oil reserves discovered in the early 1900s.

During this period, MI6 agents operated covertly, often blending in with the local population under various guises. Their primary role was to monitor German influence in the area and gather information on the movements of both Central Powers and Ottoman forces.

World War II: Strategic Operations

By the onset of World War II, Iran emerged as a crucial logistical route for the Allied Forces, primarily due to its oil reserves. MI6 intensified its activities, coordinating closely with both British military forces and the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The 1941 Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran aimed not only to secure oil fields but also to prevent Nazi Germany from establishing a foothold in the country.

In this period, MI6 was responsible for various intelligence operations, including the recruitment of local informants, espionage against Axis powers, and close collaboration with the newly formed Iranian government, which was swayed into supporting the Allies.

The 1953 Coup: A Turning Point

The most notorious episode in MI6’s history in Tehran came in 1953 with Operation Ajax, a covert mission aimed at overthrowing Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. This was excellently covered by David McCloskey and Gordon Corera in the Rest is Classified. Mossadegh, who had nationalised the Iranian oil industry, was perceived as a threat to British interests. His move to nationalise the industry would have severely hampered Anglo-Iranian Oil company which has since become British Petroleum. MI6, in collaboration with the CIA, orchestrated a coup that resulted in the reinstatement of the monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

This operation marked a significant turning point, as it entrenched British influence in Iran for years and deepened local resentment towards foreign interference. The implications of Operation Ajax would resonate for decades, contributing to the climate that ultimately led to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. I would recommend anyone to listen to the Rest is Classified episodes where they delve into this in greater detail.

Post-Revolution: A New Era of Espionage

Following the 1979 revolution, MI6 faced a significant shift in its operations in Iran. The overthrow of the Shah led to a significant deterioration of UK-Iran relations, and traditional intelligence-gathering methods became increasingly difficult. The rise of the Islamic Republic ushered in a new phase characterised by mutual suspicion and hostility.

Despite these challenges, MI6 continued to monitor Iran's activities, focusing on nuclear ambitions and regional influence. The agency engaged in various covert operations to gather intelligence on Iran’s contraventions of international treaties and supported allies facing threats from Tehran. I have been fascinated by this period which has continued until very recent times. I have recently written the chapters of Ben Viper's history in Tehran and this has been influenced by a lot of the material available which hints at MI6 involvement behind the lines in Iran.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Influence

The history of MI6 in Tehran is a tale of espionage that reflects broader geopolitical trends. From early intelligence efforts to significant covert operations, the British intelligence agency has played a crucial role in shaping Iranian history, often with complex and lasting repercussions. As we continue to observe the evolution of international relations in the region, the legacy of MI6's actions in Tehran serves as an essential reminder of how clandestine motives can alter the course of nations.

As we delve deeper into the 21st century, it’s clear that while the methods may evolve, the game of intelligence remains ever relevant, with Tehran still sitting at the nexus of world affairs.

This exploration of MI6 in Tehran uncovers a multifaceted history that is as captivating as it is instructive, an invitation to understand the intricate web of diplomacy and espionage that continues to shape our world today. I would recommend people do their own interest, as there is so much interesting material available around the history of Western espionage in Iran.