Iran Faces Historical Lessons as National Trust Party Reflects on 1953 Coup

The National Trust Party issued a statement on the anniversary of the 28 Mordad coup of 1953. The text of the statement is as follows:

In the Name of God

"The way of Allah with those who passed before; and you will not find any change in the way of Allah."

Dear Iranian nation, 72 years ago, around this time (28 Mordad 1332 in the Iranian calendar), after 47 years of struggle for the rule of law, freedom, independence, and national sovereignty during the Constitutional Revolution, and after enduring two decades of Reza Khan’s tyranny and over a decade of efforts to revive freedom, democracy, and independence (1320–1332), the country fell victim to the strategy and actions of imperialist powers and colonial governments aimed at reinstating despotism and exploitation through a military coup. Iran spent the next 25 years under a dependent and dictatorial regime. Eventually, through another revolution in 1979, and with thousands of martyrs, prisoners, and enduring severe torture, Iran managed, in less than a century, to establish a system based on the principles of freedom and democracy.

Although this system could not fully realize all the promises made at its inception and a significant portion of citizens remain dissatisfied with its structures, policies, and functions, Iran is once again facing the ambitions of imperialist powers and international oppressors aiming to undermine the country and its political system. After four decades of cold war, sanctions, and economic and political restrictions, they have resorted to military aggression.

At this juncture, reflecting on the days of the 28 Mordad coup is instructive. Radical leftist Marxism and the division among religious and liberal nationalist leaders created the conditions that allowed the United States and Britain to use internal dissidents to overthrow the government. Today, the Islamic Republic and Iran face an even graver situation. This time, the global predatory system, led by imperialist powers and facilitated by the brutal, child-killing Israeli regime, seeks to destroy Iran.

While the Islamic Republic had opened the door to negotiations for rapid sanctions relief and resolving the nuclear dossier, the opposing side escalated demands and launched unilateral military attacks during negotiations. This reveals that their true aim was the collapse of Iran’s political system and its fragmentation.

In such conditions, it is necessary to remind that international politics is a realm of competition for power, interest, and survival. Success and continued existence of a country or political system require power—comprising military capability, political management, unity, and national support. Political leaders must therefore act with rationality, awareness, skill, and a national-Iranian identity, guided by dignity, wisdom, and prudence, to advance national objectives through diplomacy.

Paying tribute to martyrs of the military and nuclear sectors, it is natural that a strategic approach by competent elites, while preserving national dignity in enrichment, is vital. Rationality and fairness dictate two simultaneous actions:

First, the government, with national unity and majority support, should implement policies of justice and tolerance, engaging political elites and actors to foster solidarity. Political prisoners should be released, and an environment of friendship and cohesion promoted. Conversely, political actors should avoid extremism, avoid unreasonable or untimely demands, and adopt unifying approaches to strengthen national unity and bridge the state-society gap, preventing foreign interference. Unnecessary or inappropriate demands during wartime only provoke despair and anger, weakening national cohesion.

Moreover, the government must shield decision-making from extremists, incompetents, and enemies of unity to rebuild trust in political structures.

God willing, 28 Mordad 1404