The Naming Decree of 1935
On 21 March 1935, Reza Shah issued a decree requesting foreign delegates to use the term “Iran” in formal correspondence, replacing the term “Persia.” This decision was significant as it sought to assert the country’s identity based on its own linguistic and cultural heritage. The name “Iran” means “Land of the Aryans,” emphasizing the historical and cultural roots of the Iranian people. While this decision has been debated over the years, it reflected Reza Shah’s desire to promote a national identity that resonated with the Iranian populace.
Limiting Diplomatic Relations
Reza Shah’s foreign policy also involved circumscribing contacts with foreign embassies, particularly those of Britain and the Soviet Union. Relations with the Soviet Union had already deteriorated due to its commercial policies, which adversely affected Iran in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1932, Reza Shah further strained relations with Britain by canceling the agreement under which the Anglo-Persian Oil Company produced and exported Iran’s oil. Although a new agreement was eventually reached, it did not fully satisfy Iran’s demands, leaving lingering tensions between the two countries.