True Spies Classic: Operation Ajax | CIA & MI6

In the early 1950s, Iran elected a forward-thinking new leader. But where previous regimes had played ball with British and American oil companies in the country, Mohammed Mossadegh refused. In response, Western intelligence services mounted a deadly coup.

In this classic episode of True Spies, Sophia Di Martino and historian Ervand Abrahamian unpick the shocking downfall of Iran's last democratic leader.

From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Morgan Childs. Music by Nick Ryan.