The initial oil concession with Iran, negotiated in 1901, had been on terms so favorable to London that the Iranians showed signs of seller’s remorse. To forestall protests, Britain temporarily seized control of the Iranian government. An attempt in 1919 to make the arrangement permanent led to uprisings. Two years later Britain coordinated a coup d’état that led to the installation of a new shah. He swore publicly to protect Iran from foreign influence while privately assuring the same foreigners he would never interrupt the flow of oil.
