Iran and its curious cut-off-your- nose-to-spite-your-face rule of unreason is back in the news again.

Iranian Premier Mossadegh resigns in an internal struggle for control of the tiny but oil-rich and strategic country. Iran today is a monument to Near East nationalism gone mad. Its oil and strategic position between East and West make it a valuable prize in the cold war. But by pursuing a course inimical to foreign oil development and exploitation — either under the British or other auspices — Iran has gone broke and desperate, a prey for intimidation or armed aggression. Much of the blame for this situation history will lay heavy on Mossadegh.

But if the emotional and unrealistic approach is gone for good, what will take its place? Certainly Mossadegh’s methods seemed extreme by Western standards, but the place he occupied was buffetted by extremists. He was a balance between them, and he was, according to his lights, dedicated to keeping Iranians’ oil and destiny intact.

Much depends upon the new Premier Ahmed Qavam, an aged rightest, the choice as Mossadegh’s successor. [Ahmad Ghavam] But the unfolding story of Iran will not be less marked with tragedy until, its nationalism mellows into something more resembling regard for its own best interests. How long that will take remains very doubtful.