The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran

The Lion and The Sun: A Modern History of Iran


Latest Episodes

Book Two – Special Episode: Exiled King
October 01, 2025

As Iran crowns a new king, Reza Shah is forced into exile. Stripped of power and family, the fallen monarch begins his final chapter in isolation.

Book Two – Ep.10: Abdication
June 25, 2025

in 1941, Britain and the Soviet Union invade Iran in hopes of a regime change and Reza Shah contemplates abdication.

Book Two – Ep.9: World War II
June 12, 2025

As the Second World War breaks out, Iran declares neutrality. But Britain and the Soviet Union fear that Reza Shahs ties with Germany could tip the balance of power in the Middle East.Follow us on Instagram, TikTokor X(Twitter).Support this sho

Book Two – Ep.8: The Heir
May 22, 2025

Groomed for power from childhood, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was more than a prince. He was Reza Shah’s guarantee for a successful political project.Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter).Support this show on Patreon.Episode

Book Two – Ep.7: Unveiling
May 08, 2025

After his first foreign trip, Reza Shah declares war on Islam and orders women to remove their hijab.Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter).Support this show on Patreon.Episode SummaryThe drive for Irans modernization, pa

Book Two – Ep.6: Triumvirate (2)
April 09, 2025

Murder, Banishment and Suicide. As Reza Shah’s rule becomes more authoritarian, the alliance that put him in power comes to a bitter end.Listen to part one here.Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter).Support this sho

Book Two – Ep.5: Triumvirate (1)
March 26, 2025

Behind the Pahlavi dynasty were three politicians: the kingmakers who orchestrated Reza Khans rise and shaped his rule. But as Reza Shah tightened his grip on power, this alliance of three faced exile, prison, and deathFollow us on Instagram, TikTok&

Book Two – Ep.4: AIOC
March 12, 2025

A torn-out contract, a paranoid shah, and Iran’s most lucrative resource. With Iran’s oil deal up for renewal, Reza Shah clashes with the British and grows suspicious of his closest allies.Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twi

Book Two – Ep.3: God, Shah, Nation
February 26, 2025

A new king, a unified nation, and a country on the brink of transformation. As Reza Shah Pahlavi seizes power, he reshapes Iran with relentless ambition, even at the cost of its democracy.Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter).For

Book Two – Ep.2: Constituent Assembly
February 12, 2025

In the aftermath of the parliament’s vote to abolish the Qajar dynasty, Reza Khan and his team lay the groundwork for his ascension to the throne and his official coronation as the new king.Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter)