Iran to debate suing US over 1953 coup

Islamic Republic’s legislature fast-tracks bill to accuse Washington of playing role in the overthrow of Mossadegh, as detailed in newly declassified documents

By AP 27 August 2013, 6:30 pm Edit

In this August 16, 1953 file photo, Iranian army troops and tanks stand in front of Central Police headquarters after the attempted coup d'etat against Iranian premier Mohammad Mossadeq in Tehran, Iran. (photo credit: AP Photo, File)

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s parliament has approved fast tracking debate on a bill that seeks to sue the US for its involvement in the 1953 coup that overthrew the country’s democratically elected prime minister.

Lawmakers will begin deliberations Wednesday over how to launch a formal complaint accusing the US government of intervening in Iran’s internal affairs and inflicting damages on the Persian state. The 290-seat house approved the urgent debate of the bill Tuesday in a session broadcast on state radio.

New declassified documents revealed recently offer more details of how the CIA orchestrated the overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh 60 years ago.

The coup restored the oppressive regime of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian revolution by followers of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

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