Iran had just nationalised the very oil fields that had powered Britain through two world wars. Downing Street wanted them back. London paid Iranian agents to sow seeds of dissent in Tehran. Then, to win American support for a coup, the men from the Ministry fanned fears of a Russian invasion.
Even the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ was used to spearhead Britain's propaganda campaign. In fact, Auntie agreed to broadcast the very code word that was to spark revolution. Around a decade ago the American government apologised for its role in the coup. Yet despite current concerns over oil scandals, regime change and the cost of meddling in Middle East politics - Britain has remained silent.
