Iran:

At the beginning of World War II, Iran was unwilling to ally with either the Axis or the Allies. However, in 1942, the USSR and Great Britain occupied Iran to protect its oil fields from German invasion. They expelled all Axis influences, and forced the shah to abdicate, as he was inclined to favor Axis interests. His son took his place, and voiced pro-Allied views. He signed an agreement with the Allies guaranteeing that Iran would not lose any territory to the Allies, and that the Allies would consult the Iranian government on matters that would affect the domestic affairs of the country. After a dispute about the Soviet occupation zone in Iran, the Allies held the Teheran Conference in Teheran, Iran. At this conference, in addition to discussing Allied strategy, it was also announced that the Allies fully supported the independence and sovereignty of the Iranian government. Meanwhile, using U.S. funds, Great Britain and the USSR had greatly improved Iranian infrastructure for use as a supply line to the Soviet front. In 1945, when water routes became available to the Allies, Iran requested that all occupation forces be withdrawn. However, only the United States withdrew. Great Britain and the USSR refused to pull out of Iran until after long negotiations. These two countries did withdraw in March of 1946.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Return to Index

Timeline | Museum | Simulation | Resources | Participation