2025 Signal Award Winner: Best History Podcast Iran’s history has been a never-ending struggle for liberty and independence. In this podcast, we tell the story of how Iran ended up where it is now and how religion, monarchy, democracy, and nationalism all played important roles in defining the lives of its people. Book One: The Qajars How the constitutional revolution created Iran’s very first parliament. This season follows the story of the fading Qajar monarchy, as unrest, foreign meddling, and political betrayal set the stage for Reza Khan’s rise to power. Book Two: Reza Shah The rise and fall o...
Latest episodes
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31 min
The People v. AIOC
With British warships looming off Abadan and an economic war squeezing Iran, Britain drags the oil dispute before the United Nations, and Mosaddegh crosses the ocean to fight it hi…
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24 min
Nationalization - Part Two
With nationalization signed and Mosaddegh in office, Britain cuts off Iran’s oil exports and moves warships into the Gulf. Secret documents expose decades of political interference…
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24 min
Nationalization - 2
With nationalization signed and Mosaddegh in office, Britain cuts off Iran’s oil exports and moves warships into the Gulf. Secret documents expose decades of political interference…
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24 min
Nationalization (2)
With nationalization signed and Mosaddegh in office, Britain cuts off Iran’s oil exports and moves warships into the Gulf. Secret documents expose decades of political interference…
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Book Three – Ep.6: Nationalization (2)
With nationalization signed and Mosaddegh in office, Britain cuts off Iran’s oil exports and moves warships into the Gulf. Secret documents expose decades of political interference…
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28 min
Nationalization (1)
Failed negotiations, assassination, and a vote that changed Iran’s history. As pressure builds and compromise collapses, Mohammad Mosaddegh leads a united nation towards oil nation…
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29 min
Paper City
Iran’s oil had enriched Britain and left its workers in shanty towns.When a deadly strike erupts and the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company refuses to yield, a veteran constitutionalist ste…
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31 min
New Friends
As Cold War tensions rise, Iran and the United States become unlikely allies. After surviving an assassination attempt, Mohammad Reza Shah moves to consolidate power and reshape Ir…
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39 min
Azerbaijan Democratic Party (ADP)
As World War II ends, Iran becomes the first battleground of the Cold War. After Stalin reaches for northern oil, a calculated gamble in Tehran determines whether the country will…
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30 min
Tehran Conference
After Reza Shah’s abdication, the young Mohammad Reza Pahlavi takes the throne. As Iran struggles with the aftermath of the Anglo-Soviet invasion, Allied leaders gather in Tehran t…
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8 min
Book Two Recap
In 1944, Reza Shah died alone. Banished from his homeland and despised by his people. But even his most bitter critics couldn’t deny one thing: He was the architect of a new Iran.T…
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3 min
Book Three Trailer
Kermit Roosevelt was on a mission that night. To overthrow Iran’s prime minister and take back control of its oil. Listen to new chapters from January 28th 2026. In book three of T…
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31 min
Exiled King
Our podcast is a Finalist in the 2025 Signal Awards in the History category! Vote for the listener’s choice award here. This is a special episode of The Lion and the Sun to celebra…
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31 min
Abdication
In the season two finale, Britain and the Soviet Union invade Iran in hopes of a regime change … Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon. Source…
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26 min
World War II
As the Second World War breaks out, Iran declares neutrality. But Britain and the Soviet Union fear that Reza Shah’s ties with Germany could tip the balance of power in the Middle…
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26 min
The Heir
Groomed for power from childhood, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was more than a prince. He was Reza Shah’s guarantee for a successful political project. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X…
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29 min
Unveiling (Kashf hijab)
After his first foreign trip, Reza Shah declares war on Islam and orders women to remove their hijab. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter). Support this show on Patreon. E…
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28 min
Triumvirate (2)
Murder, Banishment and Suicide. As Reza Shah’s rule becomes more authoritarian, the alliance that put him in power comes to a bitter end. Listen to part one here. Follow us on Inst…
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27 min
Triumvirate (1)
Behind the Pahlavi dynasty were three politicians: the kingmakers who orchestrated Reza Khan’s rise and shaped his rule. But as Reza Shah tightened his grip on power, this alliance…
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29 min
Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (AIOC)
A torn-out contract, a paranoid shah, and Iran’s most lucrative resource. With Iran’s oil deal up for renewal, Reza Shah clashes with the British and grows suspicious of his closes…