Part 7/11:
The operations advanced to a critical phase as Kermit sought the cooperation of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the titular head of the Iranian monarchy. After several clandestine meetings, Kermit’s relentless persuasion paid off when the Shah agreed to dismiss Mossadegh. All strategic aspects seemed in place for the coup's execution to commence on August 15, 1953.
In the dead of night, Colonel Nima Neri led a military convoy intending to deliver the dismissal decree to Mossadegh. However, the operation unraveled. The Prime Minister had anticipated a coup, fortified his defenses, and countered the concerted effort with loyalist forces. In a turn of unexpected events, the Colonel and his associates were ambushed and arrested instead.