The Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran (Operation Countenance) occurred in August 1941, during World War II.
The invasion was carried out jointly by the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, aiming primarily to secure Iranian territory against Axis influence and protect critical supply routes.
Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Lead-Up and Reasons
Strategic Importance:
- Iran had a strategically critical position, particularly as a transportation corridor between the Allies and the Soviet Union.
- Iranian infrastructure, notably the Trans-Iranian Railway, offered a route for delivering vital supplies from the Allies (mostly Britain and the U.S.) to the USSR following Germany’s invasion (Operation Barbarossa) in June 1941.
Iranian Position and Axis Influence:
- Although officially neutral, the Iranian ruler Reza Shah Pahlavi sympathized with Germany, partially due to historical rivalry with Britain and Russia.
- Germany had established substantial diplomatic and commercial influence in Iran, with many German nationals working in strategic industries, raising fears of espionage and sabotage among the Allies.
Diplomatic Tensions:
- Britain and the Soviet Union demanded Iran expel German nationals perceived as threats; Iran hesitated or refused, increasing Allied suspicions and tension.
Invasion: Operation Countenance
Date and Execution:
Began on August 25, 1941, when British forces advanced from the south and west, while Soviet forces attacked from the north.
Rapid military operations overwhelmed Iran’s defenses, which were relatively weak and poorly equipped compared to the invading powers.
Key Events:
- British forces captured key oil fields in Khuzestan (Abadan), securing critical petroleum resources.
- Soviet troops quickly took control of northern provinces, including major cities such as Tabriz and Mashhad.
- Air and naval superiority allowed quick suppression of Iranian resistance.
Iranian Response: The Iranian army, despite fighting briefly in several locations, was rapidly overwhelmed, with significant casualties but limited overall resistance.
Tehran quickly realized the futility of resistance and began negotiations.
| Anglo-Soviet Strength | Iranian Strength |
|---|---|
| Soviet Union: | 9 divisions |
| 3 armies | 60 aircraft |
| British Empire: | 2 sloops |
| 2 divisions, 3 brigades | 4 patrol boats |
| 4 sloops | |
| 1 gunboat | |
| 1 corvette | |
| 1 armed merchant cruiser | |
| 1 armed yacht | |
| Anglo-Soviet Casualties and losses | Iranian Casualties and losses |
| Soviet Union: | ~850 killed |
| 40 killed | 7 aircraft destroyed |
| 3 aircraft destroyed | 3 sloops destroyed |
| British Empire: | 3 patrol boats captured |
| 22 killed | |
| 50 wounded | |
| 1 tank destroyed |
Aftermath and Consequences
Immediate Effects:
- By early September 1941, Iran agreed to a ceasefire, and on September 16, Reza Shah abdicated in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, largely under British pressure.
- British and Soviet forces occupied Iran, dividing it into respective spheres of influence (British in the south, Soviets in the north, Tehran under joint oversight).
Treaty and Occupation:
- A formal Tripartite Treaty (Iran, Britain, Soviet Union) was signed in January 1942, ensuring the integrity and sovereignty of Iran post-war, and promising withdrawal within six months after the conflict’s conclusion.
- Iran declared war on Germany in 1943, becoming formally an Allied nation and joining the United Nations.
Long-term Impact:
The Allies used Iranian roads and railways (particularly the Persian Corridor) to transport critical military supplies to the Soviet Union under the Lend-Lease program, significantly aiding the Soviet war effort.
The occupation significantly impacted Iranian politics, sowing seeds of mistrust towards foreign powers and setting the stage for later political developments, including nationalist movements.
Although the British withdrew promptly post-war, the Soviets delayed their withdrawal until 1946, causing the Iranian Crisis of 1946 and ultimately necessitating international pressure for their withdrawal.
Mohammad Reza Shah’s reign was strengthened initially by British and American support, which became a long-lasting feature of Iranian politics until his overthrow in the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
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