15.

The attempts of European states to draw Gajar dynasty to their side during the
first Russian-Persia war.

During this war European countries – especially France had a great role. France secretly
defended Iran and was trying to create a war between Turkey and Russia. Napoleon offered
Iran to allow French troops to enter the Iranian coast to expel Russian troops from the
Caucasus. Napoleon achieved what he wanted and in 1806 wars started between Turkey and
Russia. Russia was in a bad situation: now, along with Iran, it had to war with Turkey. So that’s
why Russia tried to make peace with Iran but Iran didn’t agree. Napoleon called Iran to
strengthen the struggle against Russia. He also provided military support to Iran. But then in
1807 Russia and France signed the Tilzit treaty. In that treaty, it is indicated that France refuses
to mediate in Turkey and Iran. The British government immediately took advantage of the
situation and decided to strengthen its position in Iran. Firstly, Iran did not want to cut relations
with France. However, the situation made the king move closer to England. Then Iran signed a
treaty with England and England provided military support for Iran.