From the Constitutional Revolution to Modern Resistance: Principles of Popular Sovereignty in Iran’s Political Struggle
The political legacy of Mohammad Mossadegh, Iran’s most prominent nationalist statesman, continues to resonate decades after his removal in the 1953 CIA- and MI6-backed coup. At a time when politics in Iran was dominated by the monarchy, clergy, and military interests, Mossadegh offered a bold vision of governance rooted in constitutionalism, the rule of law, and popular will.
His premiership, though short-lived, represented a remarkable departure from the prevailing authoritarian order. Through policies such as the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry, Mossadegh asserted not only economic independence but the fundamental right of nations to self-determination. His leadership was anchored in the rule of law rather than autocracy, and in parliamentary representation rather than coercion—qualities that continue to inspire democratic movements in Iran and beyond.
Mossadegh’s Legal Revolution: Beyond Oil
The nationalization of the oil industry in 1951 under Mossadegh was not merely a move against foreign exploitation—it was a legal and political act asserting national sovereignty and civilian oversight over key resources. This effort, hailed in legal circles across the Global South, helped establish the principle that developing nations had the right to control their own economic assets. Mossadegh’s defense of these policies at the International Court of Justice was widely seen as a landmark case in post-colonial legal empowerment.
But his broader contribution was institutional: attempting to redefine political authority based on Iran’s 1906 Constitution, reviving parliamentary oversight, and challenging the dictatorial prerogatives of the shah. His administration sought to reduce the role of unelected power centers such as the royal court and foreign influence networks in domestic decision-making. Even in his final years under house arrest, Mossadegh remained a symbol of political resistance grounded in law.
His will, asking to be buried alongside the martyrs of the National Movement and not in any shrine or state monument, was a final testament to his belief in the sovereignty of the people.
An alternative cannot be imposed from above, as was done a century ago when Britain installed a monarch by appointment. Nor can it be forced upon the people like the 1953 coup d’état by the United States against the nationalist government of Dr. Mossadegh.
Had there been a…— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) June 18, 2025
The Struggle Continued: Opposition Structures and Democratic Vision
Following Mossadegh’s ousting, subsequent decades saw intensified repression of dissent. Yet his vision of civilian-led, representative governance has lived on through a variety of opposition efforts. Among them is the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), established in the 1981 as a coalition of dissident forces opposing both the monarchical and clerical dictatorships.
In its founding documents, the NCRI outlines a democratic framework that echoes many principles Mossadegh championed: the separation of powers, free elections, gender equality, freedom of expression and association, and the complete separation of religion and state.
The council advocates for:
- A pluralistic republic based on universal suffrage
- Abolition of the death penalty and prohibition of torture
- Equality of all ethnicities and religions under the law
- Free education and healthcare
- Commitment to international law and peaceful coexistence
These commitments are enshrined in the Council’s “Plan for the Future Iran,” and are designed to ensure that post-authoritarian Iran does not revert to arbitrary rule.
We commemorate the anniversary of the passing of Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh, the leader of Iran’s national and anti-colonial movement, on March 5, 1967. A symbol of independence and popular sovereignty, he stood resolute against monarchical despotism until his final moments.… pic.twitter.com/djnRRZMqXP
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 4, 2025
Comparative Legal and Democratic Parallels
A comparative analysis of the NCRI’s proposed constitutional principles with leading democracies—such as Sweden, France, Canada, and Germany—reveals substantive alignment on core issues of governance: checks and balances, judicial independence, civil rights, and gender equality.
The Council’s platform explicitly rejects any form of theocracy or single-party rule, and draws on models of governance that emphasize transparency, accountability, and the decentralization of power. Its proposal for the establishment of a constituent assembly following regime change also reflects a foundational commitment to democratic legitimacy.
Nevertheless, as with any such political vision, long-term viability depends not only on the design of institutions but on their implementation within an open political environment—where diverse voices, including critics, are free to participate.
From Political Philosophy to Civic Responsibility
In his lifetime, Mossadegh viewed politics not as a contest for dominance but as a civic responsibility to uphold justice and resist tyranny. This conception is evident in the political thought of individuals like Dr. Hossein Fatemi—his foreign minister and a journalist—who consistently emphasized the press as a bulwark of democratic accountability.
In contemporary Iran, where repression continues, Fatemi’s words echo through the underground press and digital media, where citizens strive to exercise their right to truth and free expression despite the regime’s crackdown on all forms of freedom of expression. These values—freedom of conscience, responsibility of governance, and fidelity to the will of the people—remain the cornerstone of any meaningful democratic project in Iran.
The anniversary of the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry, led by the great Mossadegh, stands as a symbol of the Iranian nation's resolve for freedom, independence, and the expulsion of colonial powers. Today, that same historic determination—Mossadegh’s defiance against… pic.twitter.com/fDxGR4RqvQ
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 19, 2025
A Path Forward Rooted in Constitutionalism
While historical circumstances have evolved since Mossadegh’s time, the fundamental ideals of national sovereignty, rule of law, and democratic participation remain urgent and relevant. The vision articulated by Mossadegh and shared by many in today’s opposition—including the NCRI—is not rooted in nostalgia but in a continuing aspiration for accountable, civilian-led governance in Iran.
True democracy cannot be imported or imposed—it must emerge from the political culture, history, and choices of a nation. As Iran’s democratic resistance continues to advocate for change, Mossadegh’s legacy provides both a foundation and a moral compass: that governance must serve the people, and that legitimacy flows from their freely expressed will.