514 Chapter 5
mutual enemy Germany but clearly led a country that was situated firmly within the
spheres of influence of both these major state Allies. The consequences of a strongly
pro-German Persia were multifaceted—logistically and for oil production—for both
Allies and would have been crippling for their war efforts. The invasion started at
the end of August 1941, and lasted only a few weeks before Persia was occupied by
both Allies. The Shah was exiled in the middle of September. The dispute concluded
with a January 1942 alliance that put the occupied Iran on the side of the Allies in a
nonmilitary role.
MID#603
Dispute Number: 603
Date(s): August 2, 1946 to August 17, 1946
Participants: 200 United Kingdom/365 Russia, 630 Iran
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Britain moved troops to the Iran-Iraq border in response to disturbances
within Iran affecting the British controlled oil fields. The Soviets then moved troops
to their own border with Iran to counter British pressure.
Coding changes: End Date changed from August 3, 1946.
MID#3195
Dispute Number: 3195
Date(s): June 6, 1951 to September 28, 1951
Participants: 200 United Kingdom/365 Russia, 630 Iran
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side A (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: With Iran’s threat to nationalize the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, Britain
sent a protest note to Tehran on May 17, 1951, that asked for negotiation. On the same
day there were reports that Iran had asked the Soviet army to step in if Britain tried
to militarily protect her rights to the oil company. On June 6, Iran reported that the
Soviet Union was massing troops along its border in an attempt to deter Britain from
using military force against Iran. The reports said that this build up began in April. On
June 26, in the midst of the Anglo-Iranian oil crisis, Britain sent a cruiser to Abadan, a
key location in the crisis, as a show of force. Iran ordered all British workers to leave
Iran by October 4, and on September 27, Iranian troops cordoned off the refinery at
Abadan. On September 28 the British decided not to use force and asked the United
Nations to mediate.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from May 17, 1951. End Date changed from
September 8, 1951. Settlement changed from None.
MID#1135
Started in November 1971. See the narrative in the 630 Iran/645 Iraq dyad dispute list.