Part 3/8:
By the dawn of World War I, Iran found itself increasingly at the mercy of the British and Russian Empires, both vying for dominance in the strategically important region. Iran's geopolitical position transformed the nation into a battleground for foreign interests and influence, undermining its sovereignty.
In the wake of growing resentment against foreign meddling, Reza Khan ousted the weak Qajar dynasty in 1925, establishing the Pahlavi dynasty. His ambition to modernize Iran and rid it of foreign interference brought economic opportunities, notably strong ties with Germany that predated the war. As German influence expanded in Iran, marked by substantial investments and trade agreements, an increasingly complex relationship emerged between Reza Shah and the Nazis.