European Powers Influencing Iran in the 20th Century

Russia / Soviet Union

Long involvement; 1907 Anglo-Russian Convention gave Russia northern sphere (Tabriz, Rasht, Mashhad). Post-revolution, USSR backed communist/socialist movements.

Britain (UK)

Strategic interest as gateway to India; sought oil control, countered Russian influence; shaped Iran's politics/economy.

France

Less dominant; cultural/economic presence (schools, language), oil industry involvement.

These powers used diplomacy, economics, military, and proxy support to steer Iran's development.