The Historical Memory of Iran and the Dangers of Foreign Concessions: Lessons from the Past

Iran's deep-seated historical memory of foreign exploitation and domestic uprisings significantly influences its current negotiations and strategic decisions. From the Persian Tobacco Protest of 1891 to the D’Arcy Concession, Iran's history is marked by episodes where foreign concessions led to loss of sovereignty and severe domestic backlash. Today, Iran's hardliners view any deal with the U.S. and Israel as tantamount to surrender, making it politically suicidal for the Iranian government to accept expansive terms. Tehran retains significant leverage through its control of the Strait of Hormuz and alliances like the Houthis, complicating any potential settlement.