I would hardly call the 1952 election in Iran a free election. The prime Minister manipulated the results to prevent rural voters (the same people that formed the backbone of the theocracy) from gaining their rightful seats in government.

Additionally seizing foriegn assets with no compensation or negotiation is a shitty and stupid move. The oil assets were already jointly owned under a deal with his predecessor, simply going taksy backsy over a legitimate deal is how you become an international pariah.

Does that mean the Shah was good for the country no, but he was hardly some perfect innocent victim who did no wrong.