Why Mossadegh Matters

Why Mossadegh Matters

July 7, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the historical significance of Mohammad Mossadegh and U.S.-Iran relations, featuring historian Roham Alvandi.

Subscribe now for ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content. When the Trump administration attacked Iran in late February, some war backers dreamt that the Iranian people would rise en masse and take control of their country. It proved to be a dangerous fantasy. But then the history of U.S.-Iran relations is full of cruel ironies. More than 70 years ago, a democrat and nationalist named Mohammad Mossadegh galvanized the Iranian people and tried to liberate his country from foreign domination, only to be betrayed by the United States. Historian Roham Alvandi is our guest. Further listening: Operation Ajax (podcast w/ Gregory Brew) Recommended reading: Patriot of Persia by Christopher de Bellaigue America and Iran by John Ghazvinian

People in this episode

Host: Martin Di Caro

Guest: Roham Alvandi

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Trump administration

Books & works: Patriot of Persia, America and Iran, Operation Ajax

Places: Iran, United States

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