Jimmy Carter's Role in the Iranian Revolution
Declassified Cables Reveal Warnings
Recently declassified cables shed light on the United States' knowledge of the deteriorating situation in Iran before the revolution. On November 9, 1978, William H. Sullivan, then-US ambassador to Iran, sent a cable to the Carter administration, warning that the Shah was facing growing unrest and that his position was becoming untenable.
Carter's Undermining of the Shah
Despite these warnings, the Carter administration continued its policy of undermining the Shah. This policy, which had begun months earlier, was based on the belief that the Shah was a dictator who needed to be replaced by a more democratic leader. However, Carter's actions only served to further destabilize Iran and create a vacuum that was filled by the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Carter's Toast to Iranians
In December 1977, Carter further angered anti-Shah Iranians with a televised toast in which he praised the "goodwill" and "progress" of Iran under the Shah. This toast was seen as a betrayal by many Iranians, who felt that the US was supporting a dictator.
The Shah Enters the US
On October 21, 1979, President Carter authorized the deposed Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, to enter the United States for medical treatment. This decision was highly controversial, as it was seen by many as a betrayal of the Iranian people, who had called for the Shah's execution.
Aftermath
The Iranian Revolution had a profound impact on US-Iranian relations. The mistrust and distrust that had been created during the Carter administration continued for many years, and the two countries have still not fully recovered from the events of that time.
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