CIA agents successfully executed a plan for regime change in Iran in 1953 – but Trump hasn’t revealed any signs of a plan

A covert US campaign in the mid-20th century helped steer Iran toward the intense anti-American sentiment that has distinguished its government policy for decades.

By: Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 3, 2026

Words: 1,214

Last Updated: 1 week ago

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By Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

When the bombing of Iran began on Feb. 28, 2026, the Trump administration had not informed the American people exactly what it was prepared to achieve.

Was the attack intended to degrade Iran’s nuclear program? Trump had declared that “obliterated” after last June’s bombing.

Was it to slow Iran’s ballistic missile program? U.S. intelligence assesses that Iran is years away from …

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