These days, the tectonic plates of geopolitics are shifting again, though few know in which direction. A potential rapprochement between the United States and Russia—despite resistance from large segments of the American political establishment—could have consequences for existing relationships and alliances. One country is watching this development particularly closely: Iran.
Back in the late 1990s, a report titled Project for the New American Century concluded that the Iranian Revolution, which began in 1979, had to be brought to an end. Now, with Donald Trump in the White House, it seems he feels it’s his mission to do just that.
Threats against Iran are nothing new, but in recent years, there has been a perception of a strong alliance between Tehran and Moscow—an alliance that was seen as a deterrent against the threat of military aggression. However, that relationship now appears to be fading. And in the end, it might be enough for Russia to simply “stand aside” for Iran to become a target (as Syria would have, had Russia not intervened, or as Libya did earlier).
Given these current developments, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on a not-so-distant chapter in history when Iran was the target of a joint military invasion—by Britain and the Soviet Union. This invasion remains a stark reminder for Iran that a union of Russia and Western powers against it is a scenario that can never be entirely ruled out, even though today’s circumstances may seem very different.
Historical Rivalry: Russia and Iran (Persia)
The rivalry between Russia and Iran (formerly Persia) goes back centuries. These two civilizations have always intersected in strategic territories—and those territories remain strategically vital to this day. In this story, we focus on just one historical event: the coordinated British-Soviet invasion of Iran during World War II.
Iran’s Struggle for Neutrality Amid Allied Pressure
The year is 1941, and World War II is raging. Reza Shah Pahlavi—founder of the Pahlavi dynasty—is on the throne (not to be confused with his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who would be exiled during the 1979 revolution).
The Allies are at war with the Axis powers, and Nazi Germany has already launched Operation Barbarossa—the invasion of the USSR—on June 22 of that year.
Iran maintains a position of neutrality, determined to stay out of the global conflict. However, Iran had longstanding ties with Germany, built during the time of Imperial Germany. Why did Tehran and Berlin enjoy such good relations? From Iran’s perspective, it made sense—Germany had no imperialist history in the region, unlike Britain and Russia.
Iran Saved Jews from the Nazis—but Was Still Accused of Collaboration
Despite Iran’s neutral stance, and even though Iran never supported Nazi anti-Semitism (in fact, it actively saved Jews from Nazi persecution—a fact that may surprise those familiar with today’s Iran-Israel antagonism), Britain and the USSR accused Iran of pro-German sympathies.
Iranian embassies in Nazi-occupied Europe helped save around 1,500 Jews by granting them Iranian citizenship and smuggling them to safety in Iran. This should have been proof that Iran did not support Nazi ideology. Still, the British and Soviets increased their pressure, branding Iran as pro-German.
The Real Reason: Oil and Strategic Positioning
The Allies wanted Iran’s oil. Its vast reserves were crucial for continuing the war effort against the Axis. They also feared those reserves could fall into German hands. Iran’s largest refinery—Abadan—was already under British control via the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, but that wasn’t enough.
Additionally, with German forces advancing deep into Russia, the Allies sought a new route to supply the USSR. Iran was the perfect path. So, a pretext was needed for invasion: the presence of about 1,000 German nationals in Iran.
Ultimatums and the Invasion Begins
Iran, already scaling back trade with Germany, received a final ultimatum from Britain on August 17 to expel all German nationals. Prime Minister Ali Mansur knew this was a prelude to war and mobilized tanks to the borders, but it was too late. The Anglo-Soviet invasion began on August 25, 1941.
When Reza Shah asked the British and Soviet ambassadors why Iran was attacked, they both cited the presence of Germans. The Shah offered to expel them immediately if the invasion stopped. Silence was the only response.
No Allies, No Help
Iran had no allies to turn to. The U.S. was still neutral (Pearl Harbor would not happen until December 7, 1941). The Shah appealed directly to President Roosevelt, who gave a diplomatic, noncommittal response: “The U.S. supports Iran’s territorial integrity.”
Six Days of Resistance and Collapse
British forces attacked from the south and Iraq; Soviet forces invaded from the Caucasus with around 1,000 T-26 tanks. After just six days, southern Iran was under British control. Around 200,000 Allied troops, equipped with modern aircraft and artillery, overwhelmed Iran’s 150,000 troops.
The Shah refused to destroy Iran’s infrastructure—particularly its roads—which made the invasion easier. Generals had warned him, but he refused to sabotage the roads his regime had worked so hard to build.
Betrayal and Humiliation
Iranian troops were demoralized. British aircraft dropped leaflets claiming they came to “liberate” Iran from Nazi influence, but they also dropped bombs. On the first day alone, hundreds of Iranian civilians were killed in air raids.
Six days in, British and Soviet troops linked up near Sanandaj, just 160 km from Tehran. Iranian resistance had completely collapsed.
Furious over reports of betrayal, Reza Shah assaulted his top general, Ahmad Nakhjavan, and even attempted to shoot him—only to be stopped by his son, Crown Prince Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Capitulation and Political Collapse
The Shah replaced Prime Minister Ali Mansur with Mohammad Ali Foroughi, a former PM he had previously dismissed. Worse, Foroughi’s son had been executed by the regime. Foroughi betrayed the Shah, telling the British that he and the Iranian people welcomed liberation from tyranny. The Shah didn’t yet realize his downfall had begun.
Saving Germans and Soviet Retribution
Iran refused to hand over German nationals to the Allies, knowing they would likely be executed. Instead, they were smuggled out through Turkey. In retaliation, the Soviets occupied Tehran on September 16, 1941.
On September 17, they entered the capital. Reza Shah abdicated the same day.
Installing a New Monarch
The British initially wanted to install their own man, Hamid Hassan Mirza, from the old Qajar dynasty. But he spoke only English and not a word of Persian. Foroughi convinced them to accept Mohammad Reza Pahlavi instead.
Reza Shah attempted to flee but was captured and exiled to South Africa, where he died in 1944.
Occupation, Hunger, and Broken Promises
Though the Allies left Tehran after a month, much of Iran remained under occupation. Life under occupation was grim: food shortages, economic collapse, and social unrest followed.
In January 1942, Iran officially joined the Allies and declared war on Germany, in return for a promise that British and Soviet forces would leave after the war.
Tehran Conference and Cold War Seeds
Later in 1943, Tehran hosted a major Allied summit with Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill. Nazi Germany even planned to assassinate all three leaders in Operation Long Jump—but the plan failed.
During the occupation, the USSR expanded its influence. The communist Tudeh Party was established, and the Soviets even backed the creation of a Kurdish republic in Iran in 1945.
First UN Security Council Test
After the war, the British began withdrawing in March 1946, but the Soviets refused. Iran appealed to the newly formed United Nations. This became the very first case taken up by the UN Security Council.
Under pressure, the Soviets finally withdrew in May 1946, avoiding what could have been a major international crisis.
A “Side Story” With Lasting Impact
The invasion and occupation of a neutral Iran may be a “side story” in the larger narrative of World War II—but for Iranians, it’s a story that still resonates today.
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