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Why did Allied forces occupy Iran in 1941?
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Tehran
Mosque with cupola in the bazaar, Tehran.
Allied forces occupied Iran in August 1941 primarily to secure a vital supply route for transporting U.S. war matériel to the Soviet Union during World War II.123
At the time, Iran maintained close trade ties with Nazi Germany, and Reza Shah Pahlavi refused to expel the numerous German nationals residing in the country. The Allies used this refusal as a pretext for the invasion to ensure the security of the region and prevent potential Axis influence over critical overland routes. Following the occupation, the Allies forced Reza Shah to abdicate, placing his son, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, on the throne.13