British Strategy in Iran: Between Political Diplomacy and Military Threats (September 1939 to January 1940)

Hawar Kamal Mirza Abdullah; Mohammad Mumin Arf

doi:10.21928/juhd.v11n4y2025.pp94-107

Authors

Hawar Kamal Mirza Abdullah Department of History, College of Humanities, Sulaimani University, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Mohammad Mumin Arf College of Humanities, Halabja University, Halabja, Kurdistan Region-Iraq.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21928/juhd.v11n4y2025.pp94-107

Keywords:

British, Iran, World War II, The powers, British Strategy In Iran

Abstract

At the centers of British power and influence, Iran served as a bridge. This transformed the country into a central point for British decision-making and intelligence. The British government linked Iran to its strategic interests. After 1919, the importance of this country increased. With the emergence of conflict among the powers, Iran became crucial for dominance and the protection of Gulf oil, as well as a highway to India. British strategy toward Iran aimed to protect it within the context of allied nations and to eliminate the Axis front. This study examines British policy during the first year of the war. The primary research question seeks to examine how Britain formulated its strategic framework and overarching policy directives to safeguard its presence and vital interests in Iran. It employs a descriptive and analytical methodology to explore British perspectives, decision-making centers, and military interests in Iran, drawing on original sources in Persian, English, and Arabic.
The paper is organized into three themes: the first is titled “A Summary of British Policy in Iran until 1939.” The second is titled “British Policy Toward Iran: Between the Threats of the Soviet Union and the Emergence of German Threats Until May 1940.” The final theme is titled “Changes in British Political Strategy and Diplomacy in Iran Between May 1940 and December 1940.” Finally, we present several conclusions, summarized accordingly.

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