A nation determined to endure and overcome
Prelims
International
Relations, Security, Geography
Mains
GS
Paper II – International Relations, GS Paper III – Internal Security, Disaster
& Maritime Security
The Evolution of Modern Iran - Between Nationalism and
Religious Revival
Iran's
modern history is shaped by foreign intervention, oil politics,
modernization efforts, revolution, war, and national resilience, making it
one of the most influential and enduring states in the Middle East.
Background
1.
Iran's historical journey reflects a
unique blend of resilience, transformation, and enduring contradictions.
2.
Due to its strategic location, it has
been both a regional power and a victim of foreign intervention.
3.
Over the last two centuries, Iran
alternated between Western-style modernization and Islamic revivalism.
Highlights
1.
Oil Discovery and
Foreign Influence
1.
In 1901,
Oil was discovered in Iran,
leading to the creation of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company
(AIOC).
2. In
1953, the CIA helped overthrow Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddeq, strengthening
U.S. influence in Iran.
2.
The Shah's Modernization Efforts
1.
Rising oil revenues in the 1970s funded
the Shah's modernization programs -
1.
White
Revolution
2. Great
Civilization Project
3.
Causes of the 1979 Iranian Revolution
1.
The Shah's authoritarian rule,
corruption, and human rights abuses alienated many Iranians. After the revolution, Iran officially
became an Islamic Republic.
2. The
revolution was driven largely by -
i.
Economic dissatisfaction
ii.
Political repression
iii.
Social inequality
4.
Rise of the Revolutionary Guard
1.
The Iran–Iraq War (1980–88) strengthened
the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
2. It grew into a powerful
military and political force, eventually becoming more influential than the
regular army. 
Source
-THE HINDU- https
-//www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-nation-determined-to-endure-and-overcome/article71110593.ece