Iranian History

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 Lion and the Sun - S02E10 - Abdication

Book Two – Ep.10: Abdication

in 1941, Britain and the Soviet Union invade Iran in hopes of a regime change and Reza Shah contemplates abdication.

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.
The Lion and the Sun Podcast - Season 2 - Episode 9 - World War two

Book Two – Ep.9: World War II

As the Second World War breaks out, Iran declares neutrality. But Britain and the Soviet Union fear that Reza Shah’s ties with Germany could tip the balance of power in

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.
The Lion and the Sun Podcast - Season 2 - Episode 8 - The Heir

Book Two – Ep.8: The Heir

Groomed for power from childhood, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was more than a prince. He was Reza Shah's guarantee for a successful political project.
The Lion and the Sun Podcast - Season 2 - Episode 7 - Unveiling

Book Two – Ep.7: Unveiling

After his first foreign trip, Reza Shah declares war on Islam and orders women to remove their hijab. Follow us…

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.

Book Two – Ep.6: Triumvirate (2)

Murder, Banishment and Suicide. As Reza Shah's rule becomes more authoritarian, the alliance that put him in power comes to a bitter end.

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.
The Lion and the Sun - S02E05 - Triumvirate

Book Two – Ep.5: Triumvirate (1)

Behind the Pahlavi dynasty were three politicians who orchestrated Reza Khan’s rise and shaped his rule. This is the story of their fall.
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.

Book Two – Ep.4: AIOC

A torn-out contract, a paranoid shah, and Iran's most lucrative resource. With Iran's oil deal up for renewal, Reza Shah clashes with the British and grows suspicious of his closest

Support Our Show

PTREON
© 2025 | All Rights Reserved

Search