In the early 1950s, Iran saw a liberal prime minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, who aimed to keep the nation's resources within its borders. However, his nationalisation of the oil industry led to his downfall as Western powers orchestrated his removal.

The Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, later known as British Petroleum, had profited from Iranian oil for years, sustaining British wealth. Mossadegh's actions aimed to change this status quo, which drew the ire of Western powers.

With the CIA's Operation Ajax and MI6's involvement, Mossadegh was overthrown in 1953, leading to a vacuum of legitimacy in Iran. The Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ultimately succumbed to Western pressure and signed decrees to change the government.

Following Mossadegh's removal, the Shah reversed the nationalisation of the oil industry, aligning with Western interests. However, this move sowed the seeds for the 1979 revolution that brought Ayatollah Khomeini to power.

Iran's nuclear program began under the Shah's rule, with US support for peaceful purposes. However, the Islamic revolution in 1979 shifted the nation's trajectory towards a hardline, authoritarian regime.

Today, Iran's 'red line' on its nuclear program remains unchanged, with the belief that enrichment is a national right. Any potential regime change is unlikely to alter this stance, as Iran's leaders across factions hold similar views on the nuclear program.