Crisis in the Strait of Shalil: An Analysis of the Causes, Reactions and Consequences

On August 2, 1922, a battalion of armed forces was attacked by Bakhtiari riders in the Strait of Shalil located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari. This incident had a large impact on the trilateral relations between Bakhtiari Khans, Reza Khan (as the Secretary of War), and the British Embassy in Tehran. In order to take advantage of the situation, Reza Khan Pahlavi tried to discredit and defame Bakhtiari Khans among the elite and the masses and undermine their financial strength by imposing a heavy fine on them. On the other hand, the British ambassador in Tehran adopted an ambiguous policy at the expense of Bakhtiari Khans and to the benefit of Reza Khan and the central government. Finally, after a period of conflict and negotiation between the three parties, a fine of 150,000 Tomans was agreed on to be paid by Bakhtiari Khans with the mediation of Sir Percy Loraine, the British Ambassador.