CIA Podcast Describes Iran's Events on August 28 as 'Undemocratic'

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) described the actions leading to the overthrow of Mohammad Mossadegh, Iran's Prime Minister in 1953, which solidified Mohammad Reza Shah's regime, as 'undemocratic'. Associated Press reported these actions as the '1953 coup', also known as the '28 Mordad coup', noting that other American officials had made similar statements in the past, including former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright during Bill Clinton's presidency. The CIA's characterization of these actions as 'undemocratic' was mentioned in a series titled 'Langley Files', which is dedicated to the agency's history. 'Langley' is the name of the location where the CIA's headquarters is situated in Virginia, near Washington, D.C. Associated Press wrote that seventy years after August 28, much of the official history of the CIA's actions remains classified, complicating public judgment about what transpired. According to the report, the complexity of any historical reckoning is acknowledged by the CIA itself, which stated that many files related to the '1953 coup' were likely destroyed in the 1960s. Malcolm Byrne from the National Security Archive told Associated Press that 'significant portions remain hidden, which only contributes to public confusion and encourages myth-making about the role of the United States.' Associated Press also sought comments from the Islamic Republic's delegation at the United Nations. Members of this delegation, who often do not respond to media inquiries, stated that the '1953 coup' is a sign of 'the beginning of relentless American interference in Iran's internal affairs.' The Islamic Republic's representatives also said that the acknowledgment of the coup by the U.S. 'never turned into real compensation or commitment to refrain from future interference and did not change its subversive policy towards the Islamic Republic.' The leader and government of the Islamic Republic have repeatedly accused the U.S. of interfering in Iran's affairs, most recently referencing widespread protests following the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police. These accusations come at a time when U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that they did not interfere in recent developments in Iran. The CIA also issued a statement in response to Associated Press inquiries, stating: 'CIA leadership is committed to being as open as possible with the public.' The statement noted that 'the agency is part of this effort, and we knew that if we wanted to tell this incredible story, transparency about the historical context of these events and the CIA's role in them is important.' Walter Trottier, a CIA spokesperson and host of 'Langley Files', stated that according to claims by the agency's historians, most of the CIA's covert activities during that period 'bolstered democratically elected governments.' However, the CIA spokesperson acknowledged regarding the '28 Mordad coup': 'But we must admit that this is a truly significant exception to that rule.' Brent Geary, a CIA historian present in the program, agreed, stating: 'This is one of the exceptions of that era.' According to Associated Press, seven decades later, the '1953 coup' remains a hot topic. Meanwhile, the CIA also referenced the escape of six American diplomats from Tehran after the U.S. embassy was seized by students loyal to Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. They managed to leave Iran with the help of the CIA after hiding in the Canadian ambassador's house in Tehran, which was referenced in the film 'Argo'.