Anglo-Soviet+invasion+of+Iran

= Anglo-Soviet Invasion of the Imperial State of Persia =

The Anglo-Soviet 1941 invasion of the Imperial State of Persia (Modern day Iran) was a decisive allied victory crucial to victory in the Second World War. Commencing on August 25th 1941, allied victory was quickly attained by September 17th 1941 and resulted in the securing of all major objectives which included securing Iranian oil fields and ensuring allied supply lines through the nation. The primary justification for the assault was the perceived belief that the leader of Persia at the time, Reza Shah Pahlavi was Axis friendly. Rezā Shāh Pahlavi was removed from power after the invasion and replaced by his young son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavim, the last Shah of Iran (1979 revolution) .After victory, the Soviet Union occupied the north of the country and the British the south.

Both powers promised to withdraw 6 months after European hostilities ended, predictably, the Soviets were not easily expelled and attempted to influence and control the region. However under US pressure and Persian resistance they pulled out, this of course being an early conflict of the Cold War.

Forces Involved
The Soviets were led by Dmitri T. Kozlov and Sergei Trofimenko who commanded 3 armies. The British were led by Edward Quinan, William Slim and Archibald Wavell who led 2 divisions and 3 brigades.

The Persians were led by Reza Shah Pahlavi (as Shah), Ali Mansur (as Prime Minister), Mohammad-Ali Foroughi, Gholamali Bayandor, Ahmad Nakhjevan, Mohammad Shahbakhti who commanded 9 divisions and 60 aircraft.

Allied losses were less that 100 KIA with minimal equipment lost, the Persians lost close to 1000 people but also minimal equipment losses.



The opening of the Persian Corridor allowed for immense amount of primarily American supplies to flow into the embattled Soviet Union. Over 8,000,000 metric tons of cargo ( 70% of total aid to the USSR during the war) went through the corridor and helped the Soviet Red Army and other Armed forces tie up and defeat 80% of German Forces. Without the corridor, war's outcome would undoubtedly have been bloodier,delayed and devastating to the Soviets.

Aftermath
The eventual withdraw of Soviet and British forces in 1946 left Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the son of Reza Shah Pahlavi in power. He would be the final Shah of Persia after 2500 years of kingship. Mohammad, the son was very pro-western and absolute in his rule, for by 1953 a US and British backed Coup would lead to his absolute and unchallenged rule until the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Argo
Go see it, if you have not, which I assume you have???? Not really related to this, but whatever??????

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