ABSTRACT
The Iranian Revolution was one of the most significant events of the second half of the twentieth century. At national, regional and international levels its repercussions endure. For British foreign policy, it was a disaster. Since 1979 politicians and senior officials have agonised over this major strategic setback – none more so than Sir Anthony Parsons, HM ambassador to Iran from 1974 until the revolution. Parsons publicly questioned how his Embassy failed to anticipate the Shah’s downfall. The regime was supported by the West for its anti-Communist credentials; a source of stability in a volatile region. It was also a huge market for British goods, particularly arms. However, appearances were deceptive. The upsurge in oil revenues from 1974 led to startling inequality. The corruption of the regime and the rapid changes to a traditional society were resented, notably in the mosque and bazaar. Disparate groups were bonded by one common factor – hatred of the Shah. As this chapter shows, to the embassy’s surprise, seemingly solid Pahlavi rule succumbed to the anger of the streets.
