Iran's Untold WWI Story: A Neutral Nation's Ordeal

Curt Torp 20 Jun 2025

When we think of World War I, images of trench warfare in Europe, naval battles in the Atlantic, or even the dramatic campaigns in the Middle East often come to mind. Yet, amidst this global conflagration, a seemingly neutral nation, Persia – now known as Iran – found itself unwittingly dragged into the brutal conflict. Far from the main battlefields, the land of ancient empires became a strategic chessboard for the great powers, enduring a devastating period of occupation, famine, and internal strife. This article delves into the often-overlooked history of World War 1 Iran, exploring how a declared neutrality failed to protect its sovereignty and its people from the ravages of a war not of its making.

The story of Iran during World War I is a poignant reminder of how geopolitical ambitions can trample over national sovereignty, even in the absence of a formal declaration of war. Despite its earnest attempts to remain impartial, Iran's strategic location, bordering the Ottoman, Russian, and British empires, made it an irresistible prize and a crucial battleground. The consequences were profound, shaping the nation's trajectory for decades to come and leaving an indelible mark on its social, political, and economic landscape.

The Unintended Battleground: Iran's Neutrality Tested
Imperial Ambitions: Redrawing Zones of Influence
- The 1907 Agreement and Its Demise
- Russia's Northern Advance
British Interests and Southern Resistance
- German Agents and Tribal Uprisings
- The South Persia Rifles
The Ottoman Front: A Struggle for Borders
The Shadow of Revolution: Russia's Withdrawal and Britain's Ascent
- Dunsterforce and the Chaotic Caucasus
Economic Exploitation and German Influence
The Human Cost: Devastation and Mortality in Iran
Echoes of the Past: Iran's Geopolitical Legacy

The Unintended Battleground: Iran's Neutrality Tested

At the threshold of World War I, Iran, then known as Qajar Persia, was a nation caught between the competing imperial designs of its powerful neighbors. Recognizing the immense dangers of entanglement, Iran hoped to avoid the coming storm by declaring its neutrality. This declaration, however, proved to be little more than a paper shield against the relentless tide of global conflict. The reality was stark: Iran ended up as a battleground for Russian, Turkish, and British troops. The "Persian campaign" or "invasion of Iran" (Persian: اشغال ایران در جنگ جهانی اول) was not a singular event but a series of military conflicts that unfolded across various regions of this neutral Qajar state. Beginning in December 1914 and concluding with the Armistice of Mudros on October 30, 1918, these conflicts were an integral part of the Middle Eastern Theatre of World War I. The very act of these foreign powers bringing their forces into Iran, regardless of Iran's protests, turned the country into a war arena. This interference in its internal affairs by imperialist powers led to the further enslavement of the country, undermining its already fragile sovereignty. The dream of neutrality quickly dissolved into a nightmare of occupation and conflict, setting a tragic precedent for the nation's future.

Imperial Ambitions: Redrawing Zones of Influence

Even before the formal outbreak of World War I, Iran was already carved up into spheres of influence by the great powers. The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 had effectively divided the country into a northern Russian zone and a southern British zone, with a neutral buffer in between. This agreement, ostensibly designed to settle Anglo-Russian rivalries in Central Asia, deeply compromised Iran's independence and laid the groundwork for future interventions.

The 1907 Agreement and Its Demise

As the war dragged on, the initial agreements governing these zones of influence began to unravel. The Allies, despite their internal rivalries, came to an unspoken agreement: the 1907 zones of influence no longer applied to Persia. The country was no longer separated into the northern Russian zone and the southern British. Instead, a more ominous consensus emerged: now Iran in its entirety was fair play. This shift marked a complete disregard for Iran's sovereignty and its declared neutrality, signifying that the entire nation was now open to military operations and strategic maneuvering by the warring factions. This effectively meant that Iran, despite its best efforts, was no longer merely a buffer zone but a full-fledged arena for the great power struggle.

Russia's Northern Advance

At the threshold of the First World War, the Russians, who were already in a fight with the Ottomans, brought their forces to Iran, regardless of Iran’s protests. This immediate violation of Iranian sovereignty underscored the futility of its neutrality declaration. About late 1914, an estimated 70,000 Russian soldiers occupied the western north of Iran, along the Ottoman frontiers. This massive deployment was not merely defensive; it was part of Russia's broader strategy to secure its southern flank, put pressure on the Ottoman Empire, and protect its economic interests in the region. The presence of such a large foreign army inevitably led to clashes, resource depletion, and a severe disruption of daily life for the local population. The northern provinces became a de facto Russian protectorate, with Russian troops controlling key cities and trade routes, further eroding the central government's authority.

British Interests and Southern Resistance

While Russia dominated the north, Britain's interests lay primarily in the south, particularly in safeguarding its oil concessions and the vital Abadan refinery. This refinery, which refined eight million tons of oil in 1940, was a crucial asset for the British war effort, supplying fuel for its navy and industrial machinery. Protecting this strategic resource became a paramount concern for London, leading to significant military and political interventions in southern Iran.

German Agents and Tribal Uprisings

The southern regions of Iran, characterized by diverse tribal populations, became a hotbed of intrigue. German agents, seeking to destabilize British control and divert British resources, actively tried to arouse the southern tribes against the British. These agents, often charismatic and well-funded, promised support and arms to tribal leaders, exploiting existing grievances against foreign influence. Their activities posed a direct threat to British interests, particularly the security of the oil fields and supply lines. The British, recognizing the severity of this threat, had to respond decisively to protect their vital assets.

The South Persia Rifles

To counter German machinations and protect its interests in the south, Britain created an armed force known as the South Persia Rifles. This force, composed primarily of Indian and local Persian recruits under British command, was tasked with maintaining order, suppressing pro-German tribal uprisings, and securing strategic locations. The establishment of such a force within a supposedly neutral country was a blatant violation of international law and a clear demonstration of Britain's determination to safeguard its economic and strategic assets, even at the expense of Iranian sovereignty. The presence of the South Persia Rifles further militarized the region, leading to more skirmishes and deepening the internal divisions within Iran. The conflict in the south, though often overshadowed by the larger battles, was a significant part of World War 1 Iran's painful experience.

The Ottoman Front: A Struggle for Borders

The Ottoman Empire, allied with Germany, also saw Iran as a crucial theater for its own strategic objectives. Their primary goal was to push eastward, challenging Russian influence in the Caucasus and potentially reaching Central Asian Turkic populations, while also securing their eastern flank against potential British advances. This brought Ottoman forces into direct conflict with Russian troops in western Iran, turning vast swathes of the region into a devastating battleground. The Persian campaign, as described, was fundamentally a series of military conflicts between the Ottoman Empire, British Empire, and Russian Empire. The fighting in what is today Iran during WWI was indeed fierce and protracted. The Ottoman forces, often supported by local Kurdish and Azerbaijani tribes, engaged in bitter campaigns against the Russians, particularly around Lake Urmia and the Kermanshah region. These battles were marked by extreme brutality, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. The shifting front lines led to widespread displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and immense suffering for the local populations. The conflict was not just about territorial gains but also about ethnic and religious loyalties, further complicating the already volatile situation. The human toll of these clashes, though hard to quantify precisely for Iran alone, contributed significantly to the overall devastation.

The Shadow of Revolution: Russia's Withdrawal and Britain's Ascent

The geopolitical landscape of World War 1 Iran underwent a dramatic transformation following the tumultuous events in Russia. The 1917 Russian Revolution, which led to the collapse of the Tsarist regime and the rise of the Bolsheviks, had immediate and profound implications for Iran. The new Soviet government, preoccupied with internal consolidation and civil war, began to withdraw its forces from Iran. This withdrawal, while seemingly a relief for Iranian sovereignty, created a power vacuum that Britain was quick to fill.

Dunsterforce and the Chaotic Caucasus

With the withdrawal of Russia after the 1917 revolution, Britain became increasingly active in northern Persia. Recognizing the strategic importance of the region and the opportunity to frustrate Ottoman forces trying to advance into the chaotic Caucasus, Britain deployed a multinational 'commando' unit known as Dunsterforce. Led by General Lionel Dunsterville, this force aimed to prevent the Ottomans from gaining control of the Baku oilfields and from linking up with pro-Ottoman elements in Central Asia. Dunsterforce's operations, though often fraught with challenges due to the vast distances and fragmented local loyalties, underscored Britain's expanded ambitions in the region following Russia's retreat. Their presence further solidified British dominance over Iran, extending their influence far beyond the previously agreed southern zone. This period marked a significant shift, with Britain emerging as the predominant foreign power in Iran by the war's end.

Economic Exploitation and German Influence

Beyond military occupation, Iran's economy also became a battleground for foreign interests. Even on the eve of the war, the activity of German capital in Iran had increased sharply. Before the war, Germany ranked third in foreign trade after Tsarist Russia and England, indicating its growing economic footprint. German merchants and companies were actively seeking to expand their influence, often challenging the established dominance of British and Russian firms. This economic competition was intertwined with political and strategic objectives, as economic leverage could translate into political sway. During the war, this economic interest transformed into outright exploitation. The occupying powers, particularly Britain and Russia, requisitioned local resources, disrupted traditional trade routes, and imposed their economic will on the country. This exploitation, combined with the widespread conflict and the breakdown of central authority, severely crippled Iran's economy. Agricultural production plummeted, infrastructure deteriorated, and the population faced unprecedented hardship, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that would soon engulf the nation. The turning of Iran into a war arena, coupled with the interference of imperialist powers in its internal affairs, indeed led to further enslavement of the country, not just politically but also economically.

The Human Cost: Devastation and Mortality in Iran

While the exact number of casualties directly from fighting in World War 1 Iran is hard to ascertain, as most sources list casualties for the Ottoman Empire as a whole (which is below 3 million, including around half a million war dead and 1 to 1.5 million that died in the Armenian Genocide), the broader human cost for Iran was catastrophic. The country experienced not only direct war-related deaths but also a devastating famine and epidemic, largely exacerbated by the conflict and occupation. One of the most tragic aspects of Iran's WWI experience was the Great Famine of 1917-1919, compounded by the global influenza pandemic. While some figures regarding the famine's death toll are debated, with Azizi et al commenting that some figures are exaggerated, adding that the mortality rate in Kermanshah and Tehran was about 1%, other scholars paint a grimmer picture. Afkhami states that the flu impact was enormous and estimates that between 902,400 and 2,431,000, or 8.0% and 21.7% of the total population, died. This staggering figure makes Iran one of the most devastated countries worldwide in terms of per capita mortality during this period. The famine and disease were not merely natural disasters; they were profoundly influenced by the war, as occupying armies requisitioned food supplies, disrupted agricultural cycles, and impeded relief efforts. The breakdown of governance and infrastructure further compounded the crisis, leading to widespread starvation and disease that decimated the population. This immense loss of life underscores the profound and often overlooked suffering of Iran during World War I.

Echoes of the Past: Iran's Geopolitical Legacy

The experience of World War 1 Iran left an indelible mark on the nation's psyche and its geopolitical outlook. The memory of foreign occupation, the disregard for neutrality, and the immense human suffering fostered a deep-seated suspicion of external powers and a strong desire for true independence. This historical trauma continues to resonate in Iran's foreign policy and its approach to international relations today. The echoes of this era are visible in contemporary discussions about Iran's strategic interests and its defensive capabilities. For instance, Iran has mined the Strait of Hormuz before, including in 1988 during its war with Iraq, when Iran planted 150 mines in the strait. One of the mines struck an American guided missile frigate, the USS Samuel B. Roberts. This historical action highlights a long-standing strategy of asserting control over vital waterways in the face of perceived threats. Similarly, current geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, with recent explosions in Tehran and Tel Aviv, and devastating missile strikes, diplomatic fallout, and rising global tensions, can be understood, in part, through the lens of Iran's historical vulnerability and its determination to protect its sovereignty. World leaders have long warned that the conflict between Israel and Iran’s proxies could escalate. The United States has warned Iran that any attack on American assets will trigger a response. Iran’s attack has further raised the stakes in what is already an extremely tense moment. The question of what would trigger World War III, or NATO involvement, remains a chilling reminder of how regional conflicts can quickly spiral. The period of World War 1 Iran, and the subsequent occupation by British and Russian (later Soviet) troops during and immediately following World War I, despite the country’s declared neutrality, shaped Iran's cautious and often defiant stance on foreign intervention. The historical narrative of being a battleground for others' wars reinforces a national resolve to prevent a repeat of such vulnerabilities. This historical context is crucial for understanding Iran's present-day strategic decisions and its enduring quest for self-determination on the global stage.

Conclusion

The story of World War 1 Iran is a compelling, yet often overlooked, chapter in the annals of global conflict. It illustrates how a nation's earnest declaration of neutrality can be rendered meaningless by the relentless pursuit of imperial ambitions. From the initial Russian incursions and the British safeguarding of oil interests to the Ottoman clashes and the devastating human toll of famine and disease, Iran endured immense suffering as a proxy battleground. The redrawing of influence zones, the activities of foreign agents, and the eventual British dominance after Russia's withdrawal all underscore a period of profound vulnerability and exploitation. The legacy of this era is deeply embedded in Iran's national consciousness, influencing its geopolitical strategies and its enduring quest for true sovereignty. Understanding this complex history is not just an academic exercise; it provides crucial context for comprehending Iran's contemporary role in the Middle East and its interactions with global powers. We encourage you to delve deeper into this fascinating period, perhaps by exploring more historical accounts or engaging in discussions about how past events continue to shape the present. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site that shed light on the intricate history of the Middle East.

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