Iran: “A Testing Ground for the Atlantic Charter”

Abstract

After the British interventions in Iraq and Egypt, Washington took a stronger stand against British and, to a lesser degree, Soviet, interference in Iran. To Roosevelt, Iran became a demonstration for what the United States could achieve in the Middle East. He hoped American experimentation might provide a model for other states, particularly Saudi Arabia, and Egypt and Iraq as well. Growing influence also placed Washington in a strong position in the Persian Gulf. As officials became more interested in the vast amounts of Iranian oil, Roosevelt’s designs had as much to do with outmaneuvering British and Soviet designs as it did with standing up for Iranian interests.KeywordsSaudi ArabiaMiddle EastFood ShortageAmerican OfficialBritish OfficialThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.