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Mohammad Reza Shah 1949 Assassination Attempt: Survival, Power, and the Road to America

Mohammad Reza Shah 1949 assassination attempt. How he survived, tightened power, and turned to the US, reshaping Iran’s Cold War path.

How Iran Outmaneuvered Stalin: The Azerbaijan Crisis of 1946

The Iran Crisis of 1946 was the Cold War's first flashpoint: Stalin refused to leave, and Iran teetered on the edge of fracture.

The Tehran Conference and the Rise of Mohammad Reza Shah: How World War II Reshaped Iran

As the Tehran Conference unfolds in 1943, Iran stands occupied and divided. How did Mohammad Reza Shah’s rise reshape the country?
The Lion and the Sun: A Modern History of Iran is Apple’s Featured Podcast of the Week. Season three explores oil nationalization and the 1953 coup.

The Lion and the Sun Is Apple’s Featured Podcast of the Week

Book three of The Lion and the Sun is Apple’s Featured Podcast of the Week. In this season, we explore oil nationalization and the 1953 coup.

Reza Shah Pahlavi: The Rise, Rule, and Fall of Modern Iran’s Founder

In 1944, Reza Shah Pahlavi died alone. Banished from his homeland and despised by his people. But even his most…

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  • 10 months ago

Reza Shah Exile: The Fall, Banishment, and Final Days of an Unmade King

After his abdication in 1941, Reza Shah began a turbulent journey into exile leading to his death, and the mystery surrounding his burial.
Signal Awards Honor The Lion and the Sun as a Best History Podcast
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  • 10 months ago

The Lion and the Sun Named Best History Podcast Bronze Winner at the Signal Awards

Last month, The Lion and the Sun received the Bronze Award in the Best History Podcast category at the Signal Awards.
Reza Shah's Abdication - 1941

Reza Shah’s Abdication: The 1941 Iran Invasion That Ended His Reign

This is the transcript for Book Two, episode 10 of The Lion and the Sun podcast: Reza Shah’s Abdication. When…

The Shah, the Nazis, and the Invasion: Impact of World War II on Iran

As World War II begins, Reza Shah distances Iran from Britain and the Soviet Union, aligning more closely with Nazi Germany.

Born to Rule: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s Birth, Upbringing, and Rise to Power

The making of a monarch: How Reza Shah picked his heir and shaped his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, into Iran’s future king.

Reza Shah’s Radical Reforms: His Diplomatic Ties with Atatürk, Battle Against Tradition and Kashf-e Hijab

From the unveiling policy (Kashf-e Hijab) to his close ties with Atatürk, Reza Shah's vision for a secular Iran collides with the religious forces.

Ali Akbar Davar: Why the Father of Iran’s Modern Judiciary Ended His Life

The story of Ali Akbar Davar, the architect of Iran’s modern judiciary, and his tragic death under Reza Shah’s rule.

The Rise and Fall of Teymourtash and Firouz: The Architects of the Pahlavi Dynasty

The rise and fall of Teymourtash and Firouz Nosrat-ed-Dowleh. Two key allies of Reza Shah who helped shape modern Iran.
History, science and the meaning behind Nowruz

Nowruz: History, Science and Traditions Behind the Persian New Year

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marks the arrival of spring with traditions rooted in history, culture, and renewal.
Teymourtash, Reza Shah and the heir, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

Teymourtash, Reza Shah, and the Battle for Iran’s Oil

How Teymourtash and Reza Shah fought to reclaim Iran’s oil from British control, leading to the downfall of Iran’s most powerful minister.

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