ABSTRACT
The Persian Gulf was a central theme in the anti-colonial, nationalist discourse that came to be dominated by the state during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi. This chapter examines how the Persian Gulf was viewed and how was it depicted in the dominant discourse in Iran during the course of events that brought Reza Shah to power and until his downfall (1921-1941). Britain's control of post offices in the south was a big source of resentment in Iran. Surveillance of the political landscape gave local officials and military men an opportunity to advertise their vigilance and dedication to the nationalist cause. The focus of Iran's foreign policy throughout the rule of Reza Shah Pahlavi was political and economic emancipation from the Soviet Union and Great Britain. Iran officially declared its non-recognition of the independence of the shaykhdoms and its non-recognition of Britain's special relationship with them in August 1928.
