An old king tries to reclaim his throne, the United States sends help for the country’s finances, and Russia invades Iran. The complicated history of Iran and Russia and how the Russian influence impacted Iran’s democracy and crippled its government throughout the years.

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On July 13th, 1909, in the aftermath of the Battle of Tehran, Mohammad Ali Shah had no choice but to abdicate the throne and flee to Russia. There he was granted asylum and a monthly salary. The constitutionalists, eager for a fresh start, allowed for his peaceful exile.

However, in July 1911, Mohammad Ali Shah returned to Iran through the Caspian Sea, leading an army of Turkmen tribesmen. His younger brother, Salar-ed-Dowleh, joined him with an army of Kurdish fighters, aiming to restore Mohammad Ali Shah’s rule. Their plan was for Mohammad Ali Shah to advance from the north while Salar Al-Dole struck from the northwest, eventually converging on Tehran.

The government sought help from the Bakhtiari riders and placed a bounty on Mohammad Ali Shah’s capture. Faced with the approaching Bakhtiari forces, Mohammad Ali Shah fled back to Russia, abandoning his attempt.

In the late 19th century, Persia became increasingly reliant on foreign loans and struggled to modernize its military. Nasir al-Din Shah, impressed by the Russian Cossacks, established the Persian Cossack Brigade. Modelled after Russian formations, it reflected the growing Russian influence in Persia.

During Mohammad Ali Shah’s reign, Russia gained immense power and influence over Persia. With the Russian Cossack Brigade acting as the Shah’s private army and many of his advisors having ties to Russia.

After the constitutionalists regained control in Tehran and reopened the parliament, they sought to address Persia’s financial issues. The government reached out to the United States for a recommendation for a financial advisor. They perceived the US as a safe choice due to its limited presence in the country.

The US recommended William Morgan Shuster, an American lawyer and financial expert, to serve as Treasurer-General. Shuster’s efforts to bring transparency and accountability to Persia’s finances angered Britain and Russia.

When Morgan Shuster planned to seize the property of Salar-ed-Dowleh, a co-conspirator in Mohammad Ali Shah’s coup attempt, Russia intervened, citing the prince’s Russian connections and loans as justification.

In November 1911, Russia issued an ultimatum demanding Shuster’s dismissal, the prohibition of Persia engaging foreign advisors without Russian and British consent, and payment for Russian troops stationed in Persia.

This ultimatum sparked nationwide protests led by the prominent Shia cleric Mohammad Kazem Khorasani, who enjoyed widespread public support. However, Khorasani died under mysterious circumstances in December 1911, demoralizing the public.

Russia then ordered its forces to occupy parts of northern Persia, including Tabriz. They were met with resistance but ultimately succeeded through brutal tactics.

Faced with the growing Russian military presence and pressure, the Persian government yielded and declared its intention to remove Shuster from his role, leading to the dissolution of the parliament by the regent, Naser-al-Molk, on December 24th, 1911.

In January 1912, Morgan Shuster and his American team were forced to resign and leave Persia.

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• Collateral – Kai Engel
  
  
• From Russia with Love
  
  
• Sombre Descent – Kai Engel
  
  
• January – Kai Engel
  
  
• Highway Chase – Hampus Naeselius
  

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