Analyse
Historical records of Mosaddegh's trial, including transcripts and contemporary newspaper reports, contain a statement matching the quoted language, where he frames the nationalisation of oil and the expulsion of British colonial influence as his sole offense. The phrasing "greatest empire on earth" refers to Britain and appears in the same speech. No evidence contradicts the authenticity of this quotation.
Achtergrond
After the CIA‑MI6‑backed coup of August 1953, Mosaddegh was arrested, tried before a special court, and sentenced to death (later commuted). During his trial he defended his actions, emphasizing the legitimacy of Iran's oil nationalisation in 1951 and condemning foreign domination. His speech has been cited in numerous scholarly works on Iranian history.
Samenvatting verdict
Mosaddegh indeed made a closing‑statement in his 1953 trial asserting that his only crime was the oil nationalisation and the removal of British influence.