The Role of Britain in Zil-al-Sultan’s Political Fate after his departure from Iran, Based on the Archival Records of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom (1908-1916)

This study aims to investigate and explain the policies adopted by Britain towards Zil-al-Sultan «after» he was forced to leave the country, based on the Archival Records of Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom.

Method and Design: 

Archival records were studied and analyzed in a descriptive and analytical way.

There are diverse factors that Britain intended to support returning of Zil-al-Sultan to Iran while he was living in Europe. Among which are Britain's hope for enjoying the benefits of Zil-al-Sultan's government as a powerful governor in Fars or Isfahan, preventing the ever-increasing influence of Germany in southern parts of Iran during the World War I, and confronting the Russia’s domineering behaviors in these areas. Furthermore, the opposition of Bakhtiari Khans to Zil-al-Sultan's presence in Isfahan was the main reason that Britain prevented his return.