Iran–United States Relations during World War I: A ‘Transitional’ Moment Shaped by Missionary Diplomacy

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of History, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of History, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The First World War and its consequences—including famine and the presence of Russian, Ottoman, and British forces—created a context in which the United States could emerge as a new actor in Iran. Having declared its neutrality, the U.S. sought, through religious missions and consular staff, to assist the Christian population of Iran. These humanitarian efforts, alongside their charitable aspects, simultaneously paved the way for America’s political and economic influence in Iran.
Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the economic and social dimensions of United States aid to Iran during World War I and to analyze the role of American humanitarian actions in shaping the evolution of the U.S. political approach toward Iran.
Method and Approach: This research adopts a descriptive–analytical approach and, based on available historical sources, investigates the methods of relief and their consequences for Iranian society.
Findings: The findings reveal that American missionaries and diplomats, in cooperation with certain Iranians, distributed daily meals such as rice stew, soup, and rationed bread in Tehran, while their missionary houses in Azerbaijan became shelters for Christian refugees of war. After the war, the “Persian Relief Commission” was established at the initiative of the U.S. Embassy to organize aid more systematically. Furthermore, the “food-for-work” program not only alleviated the suffering of famine-stricken people but also facilitated the implementation of development projects favored by the Americans. This study demonstrates that these measures, within the framework of “Missionary diplomacy,” marked a turning point in the transformation of America’s strategy in Iran—shifting from passive cultural and religious activities to an active political role.

Keywords

References

English translation of references
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Ganjine-ye Asnad
Volume 35, Issue 4 - Serial Number 140
January 2026
Pages 153-188

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  • Receive Date: 04 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 11 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 15 December 2025

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