Criticisms on Iran's Policy of Neutrality in World War I(1914-1918)

At the beginning of World War I, Iran decided to adopt a policy of neutrality in foreign policy and international relations. Iran's statesmen thought that by adopting this policy, they could keep the war away from Iran's borders; however, this prediction did not occur and the war entered Iran's territory and caused huge losses to Iranians. Even though for the majority of statesmen, the policy of neutrality was an unquestionable matter and the best strategy to get rid of this devastating crisis, weak voices were reflected in that space, which did not consider this policy to ensure Iran's territorial integrity and national security. This study made an attempt to present some of these criticisms and doubts. The arguments and opinions of the opponents of the policy of neutrality were neglected at that time, but by investigating them, it may be possible to achieve results for Iran today.