In 1941, the Allies invaded neutral Iran to secure a vital supply line
To prevent Nazi influence and protect a critical supply route to the Soviet Union, British and Soviet forces launched a coordinated multi-pronged invasion of neutral Iran during World War II.
On August 25, 1941, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union launched Operation Countenance to secure Iran's vast oil fields and the 'Persian Corridor' supply route. Despite Iran's declaration of neutrality, the Allies feared the Shah's German sympathies could jeopardize the flow of American Lend-Lease supplies to the struggling Red Army.
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