Iran's Oil Revolution: Clerics, Politics, and Geopolitics

The discovery of oil in Iran in the early ۲۰th century marked a pivotal moment in the country’s history, triggering profound economic, political, and social changes. Prior to this discovery, Iranian clerics were largely marginalized, with limited economic and political influence. The arrival of oil transformed this dynamic, as the newfound wealth attracted significant foreign interest, particularly from Britain. This foreign involvement altered the clerics’ role, leading them to seek a share of the oil revenues and strategically engage with foreign powers. The oil boom also catalyzed cultural and political reactions within Iran, exemplified by expressions of national sentiment in poetry and the rise of political figures such as Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, who spearheaded the nationalization of the oil industry. Mossadegh's efforts to reclaim control over Iran's oil resources from foreign companies highlighted the tension between national sovereignty and foreign influence. Under the Shah’s rule, Iran experienced substantial economic and cultural growth, including the high-profile ۲۵۰۰-year celebration, but this period also intensified social discontent. Rising oil prices and geopolitical maneuvering by Western powers exacerbated tensions, contributing to the revolutionary upheaval of ۱۹۷۹. This abstract outlines the critical impact of oil on Iran’s modern history, illustrating how economic and political changes intertwined with cultural and revolutionary movements to shape the country's trajectory.

کلیدواژه ها:

Oil discovery ، Clerical influence ، Mossadegh ، Economic growth ، Revolutionary upheaval