The Persian campaign (also known as the Persia Front) was a series of military conflicts and political intrigues in Persia (modern-day Iran) during World War I. It involved the Ottoman Empire, the British Empire (including British India), and the Russian Empire, with Persia attempting to maintain its neutrality.
The campaign was largely driven by strategic interests. The British aimed to protect their oil interests in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (modern-day BP) and secure a land route to British India. Russia sought to secure its southern border and prevent Ottoman encroachment. The Ottoman Empire aimed to expand its territory, unite the Turkish-speaking populations of Central Asia, and disrupt British oil supplies.
Hostilities began in 1914 with Ottoman incursions into Persian territory. Russian forces were already present in northern Persia due to previous agreements and intervened to counter the Ottoman advance. The British entered the conflict primarily to protect the oilfields in Khuzestan, which were vital to the Royal Navy.
The campaign was characterized by fluid front lines, shifting alliances among local tribes, and widespread logistical challenges due to the harsh terrain and limited infrastructure. Key battles and engagements occurred around locations like Tabriz, Urmia, Hamadan, and Kermanshah.
The Russian withdrawal from the war following the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution dramatically shifted the balance of power. This allowed the Ottomans to gain ground and temporarily control significant portions of Persia. However, with the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in 1918, the British gained control of Persia, effectively ending the campaign.
The Persian campaign had significant consequences for Persia. It exacerbated internal political instability, contributed to economic hardship, and fueled anti-foreign sentiment. The campaign also paved the way for increased British influence in Persia, ultimately leading to the Anglo-Persian Agreement of 1919, which further cemented British control over Persian affairs. The campaign ultimately contributed to the rise of Reza Khan and the establishment of the Pahlavi dynasty in the 1920s.