Treaty of Paris (1857)

The Treaty of Paris (1857) formally concluded the Anglo-Persian War of 1856-1857. It was signed in Paris on March 4, 1857, by representatives of Great Britain and Persia (Qajar Iran).

The war had been triggered by Persia's reoccupation of Herat, a city claimed by both Persia and Afghanistan, but whose independence had been guaranteed by Britain. Britain, seeking to protect its interests in India and prevent Russian influence in Persia, declared war on Persia.

The main terms of the treaty included:

• Persia agreeing to evacuate Herat and recognize the independence of Afghanistan.
• Britain agreeing to cease its naval blockade of the Persian Gulf and withdraw its troops from Persian territory.
• Persia granting Britain most-favored-nation status in trade.
• Persia agreeing to suppress the slave trade in the Persian Gulf.
• Britain relinquishing its claim to Kharg Island and other islands in the Persian Gulf it had occupied during the war.

The treaty effectively restored the status quo ante bellum, with Persia relinquishing its claim to Herat. While Britain achieved its immediate goal of preventing Persian control of Herat, the war and the treaty contributed to resentment in Persia towards British influence and to a weakening of the Qajar dynasty. The Treaty of Paris (1857) also failed to fully resolve the issues of trade and influence in the region, contributing to continued tensions between Britain and Persia in the following decades.