Iranian Regional Movements in 1945-46: A Case Study of the Impact of Azerbaijani Democratic Party on Fars South Movement

Iran''s strategic position and long common border in the north with the Soviet Union led to its invasion and occupation by the Allies two years after the beginning of the World War II and Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union. They announced that their purpose was to send forces to the Soviets under siege. In August 1945، regardless of the opposition of Iran''s government، the Allies invaded Iran and advanced to the outskirts of Tehran. Their troops remained in Iran until the end of the war. The occupiers’ominous presence caused many problems for the people of Iran. One of the unfortunate consequences of their presence was the formation of the Azerbaijani Democratic Party in the fall of 1945 by Seyyed Ja’far Pishehvari who received support from the Soviet government and the Tudeh party. One of his main demands was local autonomy from Tehran. The present article intends to present an overview of the presence of the Allies in Iran، especially the Soviet Union، and its consequences forthe Azerbaijani Democratic Party and Fars South Movementduring the years 1945-1946.