Modern Iran is a multi-ethnic state. Two of its largest minorities are ethnic Kurds and Azerbaijanis, who live mostly in the north of the country. As a result of the Russian-Persian wars of the 19th century, the historical lands of the Azerbaijanis were divided between two powers, Persia (Iran) and the Russian Empire.
The divided Azerbaijani people have dreamed of reunification ever since, and during WW2, the Kremlin tried to exploit this sentiment. The Soviet plan was to annex its northern regions to the Azerbaijan Soviet Republic, and at the same time support the separatist aspirations of Iranian Kurds.
Operation Consent
In August 1941, Soviet and British troops invaded Iran. Despite declaring its neutrality in the global conflict, Iran's ties to the Third Reich were deemed too close for comfort. German intelligence was active in the country, and Iran's huge oil reserves had the potential to feed the Axis for a long time to come. The Allies could not allow this.
