United States. Department of State
Published: 1991
Total Pages: 92
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Here also are the documents that tell what the U.S. State Department knew about the repressive nature of the shah's rule and the degree of popular support he enjoyed. Martial law, imposed after Mohammad Mosaddeq's overthrow in 1953, was maintained until 1957. As the collection details, the shah continued to exercise strict political controls even after ending martial law. In 1955, Iran entered the Baghdad Pact with Britain, Iraq, Turkey, and Pakistan. In March 1959, Iran signed a bilateral defense agreement with the United States. The Central Files offer insights into the shah's desire for close relations with the United States-which resulted in these alliances-and into his requests for U.S. military and economic aid.