With nationalization signed and Mosaddegh in office, Britain cuts off Iran’s oil exports and moves warships into the Gulf. Secret documents expose decades of political interference, American mediation fails, and Iran finds itself in a standoff it cannot easily win. Listen to part one of Nationalization here . Episode sources Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Episode Summary With nationalization passed, Britain’s response came not at the negotiating ta...
May 08, 2026•24 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Failed negotiations, assassination, and a vote that changed Iran’s history. As pressure builds and compromise collapses, Mohammad Mosaddegh leads a united nation towards oil nationalization. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Earlier Chapters of The Oil Dispute: Book One – Episode 8: Anglo-Persian Oil Company Book Two – Episode 4: Anglo-Iranian Oil Company Book Three – Episode 4: Paper City Episode Summary In the early 1950s, Iran entered a period of r...
Apr 09, 2026•28 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Iran’s oil had enriched Britain and left its workers in shanty towns. When a deadly strike erupts and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company refuses to yield, a veteran constitutionalist steps forward to fight for control of the nation’s oil. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Earlier Chapters of The Oil Dispute: Book One – Episode 8: Anglo-Persian Oil Company Book Two – Episode 4: Anglo-Iranian Oil Company Episode Summary Abadan was not just a refinery. It was...
Mar 19, 2026•29 min•Season 3Ep. 4
As Cold War tensions rise, Iran and the United States become unlikely allies. After surviving an assassination attempt, Mohammad Reza Shah moves to consolidate power and reshape Iran’s political order. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Episode Summary In February 1949, there was an assassination attempt on Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi at the University of Tehran. A gunman posing as a photographer fired several shots at close range. The gunman wounded th...
Mar 05, 2026•31 min•Season 3Ep. 3
As World War II ends, Iran becomes the first battleground of the Cold War. After Stalin reaches for northern oil, a calculated gamble in Tehran determines whether the country will split or survive. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Episode Summary As World War II ended, the world shifted. Britain weakened. The United States and the Soviet Union rose. And oil, now the lifeblood of modern power, moved to the center of global politics. In Iran, the Sovie...
Feb 12, 2026•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
After Reza Shah’s abdication, the young Mohammad Reza Pahlavi takes the throne. As Iran struggles with the aftermath of the Anglo-Soviet invasion, Allied leaders gather in Tehran to plan the next phase of the war. Book Two Recap Book One Recap Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary In 1941, following the Allied invasion of Iran, Reza Shah was forced to abdicate and leave the country. His departure secured Brit...
Jan 29, 2026•30 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In 1944, Reza Shah died alone. Banished from his homeland and despised by his people. But even his most bitter critics couldn’t deny one thing: He was the architect of a new Iran. The creator of a modern empire. Season three of The Lion and the Sun Podcast will start airing next week. While you can enjoy this season on its own, having some background never hurts. If you have the time and want the full picture, start with book one and follow the story through to book three; but if you’re short on...
Jan 21, 2026•8 min
Kermit Roosevelt was on a mission that night. To overthrow Iran’s prime minister and take back control of its oil. Listen to new chapters from January 28th 2026. In book three of The Lion and the Sun , we look at how Iran’s bid to nationalize its oil pulled the CIA into Iranian politics and set the stage for a covert operation that removed its democratically elected leader. A coup that became a model for American interventions for decades and reshaped Iran’s relationship with the United States f...
Jan 13, 2026•3 min
Our podcast is a Finalist in the 2025 Signal Awards in the History category! Vote for the listener’s choice award here . This is a special episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebrate our nomination: As Iran crowns a new king, Reza Shah is forced into exile. Stripped of power and family, the fallen monarch begins his final chapter in isolation. Thank you so much for your support and for listening to our show. We’ll be back in November 2025 with season 3! Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twi...
Oct 01, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In the season two finale, Britain and the Soviet Union invade Iran in hopes of a regime change … Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Sources for this episode . Episode Summary On August 25, 1941, Iran faced a coordinated invasion by British and Soviet forces. The military, unprepared for such an assault, collapsed swiftly. Naval, air, and ground forces were overrun. Reza Shah, who had built Iran’s military for internal control rather than full-scale war...
Jun 25, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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 the Middle East. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Sources for this episode . Episode Summary In the late 1930s, Europe braced for conflict as Adolf Hitler expanded German territory and power. His ambition for domination led to the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 1939, which paved the way for the ...
Jun 12, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Groomed for power from childhood, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was more than a prince. He was Reza Shah’s guarantee for a successful political project. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Episode Summary Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was born into a family driven by ambition and structured by discipline. His father, Reza Khan, was a military officer on the rise, determined to transform both his own life and the future of Iran. As Reza Khan climbed the ranks, ultimatel...
May 22, 2025•26 min•Season 2Ep. 8
After his first foreign trip, Reza Shah declares war on Islam and orders women to remove their hijab. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Episode Summary The drive for Iran’s modernization , particularly the push for secular reforms, began in the 1920s, when Reza Shah came to power. He marked his rule by efforts to modernize Iran’s infrastructure, improve education, and build a stronger national identity. Behind these actions was a man who played a cruc...
May 08, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Murder, Banishment and Suicide. As Reza Shah’s rule becomes more authoritarian, the alliance that put him in power comes to a bitter end. Listen to part one here . Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Episode Summary Firuz , a Qajar prince and veteran statesman, had once held top roles across Iranian governments, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Justice. After falling out of favor, he was banished to Semnan, where he lived under survei...
Apr 09, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Behind the Pahlavi dynasty were three politicians: the kingmakers who orchestrated Reza Khan’s rise and shaped his rule. But as Reza Shah tightened his grip on power, this alliance of three faced exile, prison, and death Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Additional listening: AIOC Read about Nowruz Celebration on our blog. Episode Summary Three men—Firouz Nosrat al-Dowleh, Abdolhossein Teymourtash, and Ali Akbar Davar—once formed a powerful alliance t...
Mar 26, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 allies. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon . Additional listening: APOC (Book one – Ep.3): Episode Summary In the early 20th century, Iran’s oil reserves became the center of a power struggle between the Iranian government and the British-controlled Anglo-Persian Oil Company ...
Mar 12, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 4
A new king, a unified nation, and a country on the brink of transformation. As Reza Shah Pahlavi seizes power, he reshapes Iran with relentless ambition, even at the cost of its democracy. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary The Qajar dynasty had left Iran fragmented , with weak central authority and little control over its vast resources. Reza Shah sought to address these challenges by consolidating power ...
Feb 26, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In the aftermath of the parliament’s vote to abolish the Qajar dynasty, Reza Khan and his team lay the groundwork for his ascension to the throne and his official coronation as the new king. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary On October 31, 1925, with the vote of Iran’s National Consultative Assembly (Majlis) the Qajar dynasty was officially abolished , and Reza Khan became the leader. The transition was m...
Feb 12, 2025•27 min•Season 2Ep. 2
As Iran’s exiled king prepares to return, the parliament grants Prime Minister sweeping powers. With the help of his rivals, Reza Khan sets out to dismantle the century-old Qajar Dynasty. Book One Recap: Audio , Video Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary Reza Khan, a soldier from humble origins, rose to prominence in early 20th-century Iran. He was driven by a desire to restore stability to a country ravaged...
Jan 29, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The Qajar dynasty was the embodiment of ineffectiveness. Tyrants incapable of true tyranny. This is the story of their demise. Season two of The Lion and the Sun Podcast will start next week. If you’re new to this show, we suggest starting with book one and working your way here! But if you’re not into revisiting the past or are one of our older listeners who has already listened to the previous season, this recap could be a great way for you to catch up with the story. The Lion and the Sun is a...
Jan 22, 2025•6 min
Down with the Qajars. Long Live Reza Shah. Listen to new chapters from January 29th. As we’re recording this, Iran is experiencing a wide range of issues. Both internal turmoil and external conflicts. But the fascinating thing about this statement is that it doesn’t matter when you’re listening to this podcast. It could be a week from now, a month, or even years. No matter the time, the above sentence will hold as much truth then as it has now. Iran is a rather peculiar place. A country with ove...
Jan 15, 2025•2 min
Reza Khan’s army marches toward Arabistan, Khaz’al tries to unite local tribes against the government and the battle for Arabistan reaches its breaking point. This is part two of a special episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebrate reaching 100k downloads. Listen to part one here . Thank you so much for your support and for listening to our show. We’ll be back in January 2025 with season 2! Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patr...
Oct 30, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 12
A defiant Sheikh, a province rich in oil, and Reza Khan’s push to unify a fractured Iran. The story of Arabistan and how one local tribe became the biggest threat to Persia. This is a special two-part episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebrate reaching 100k downloads. Thank you so much for your support and for listening to our show. We’ll be back in January 2025 with season 2! Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode ...
Oct 16, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In the season finale of the podcast, Reza Khan aims for total control, the young shah flees his country and Iran braces itself for a brave new world. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Listen to all book one episodes on our website . Episode Summary Persia had been rocked by political instability in the years following World War I. Prime ministers had come and gone, unable to establish a stable government amidst the chaos...
Aug 21, 2024•Season 1Ep. 10
A new player emerges in Persian politics… How a journalist and a military lieutenant orchestrated the 1921 coup d’état and how Reza Khan gained control of Iran’s military and became an influential player in the government. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary In the early 1920s, Persia faced a period of intense political turmoil following World War I . Amidst this chaos, two figures emerged with plans to res...
Aug 07, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 9
The biggest oil field the world had ever seen, a foreign military occupation and a socialist revolution in the north. As Russia’s influence wanes, Britain seizes control of Iran’s newfound oil wealth and expands its influence in the region. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary In the early 20th century, Iran underwent a transformative period centred around the discovery of oil and its far-reaching consequenc...
Jul 10, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 8
As the great war breaks out in Europe, Persia is turned into the ultimate proxy battleground. The story of the First World War and how British, Russian, and German forces competed for control in Iran. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip who fired the fatal shots that killed Franz Ferdinand an...
Jun 19, 2024•Season 1Ep. 7
An old king tries to reclaim his throne, the United States sends help for the country’s finances, and Russia invades Iran. The complicated history of Iran and Russia and how the Russian influence impacted Iran’s democracy and crippled its government throughout the years. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary On July 13, 1909, Mohammad Ali Shah abdicated the throne and fled to Russia after the Battle of Tehran...
May 29, 2024•Season 1Ep. 6
Two constitutionalist armies arrive at the gates of Tehran and Mohammad Ali Shah prepares the capital of Iran for an all-out war. How the battle of Tehran reshaped the future of democracy in Iran and how the country was forced to change in its aftermath. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter). For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary After the bombardment of Majlis, the flames of revolution burned across Persia as uprisings erupted against the monarch...
May 15, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 5
How Mohammad Ali Shah laid siege to the parliament building, ending Iran’s brief experiment with democracy. Discover the story of the Majlis bombardment and the Iranian guerrilla warfare to reclaim their hard-fought freedom. Follow us on Instagram , TikTok or X (Twitter) For early access to episodes, become a supporter on Patreon . Episode Summary On June 2nd, 1908, the Iranian parliament was carrying out its daily activities when the sound of marching soldiers filled the building. Sensing dange...
May 01, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 4
