T.A. Rothstein and the first steps of Soviet diplomacy in Iran (1921-1922)

The article considers the activities of Theodore Aronovich Rothstein as a Soviet plenipotentiary in Iran. They took place at the turning point in the history of both countries and made an important contribution to the development of Soviet-Iranian relations. Having considerable experience in socio-political activity, Rothstein took an active part in the political life of Iran, and his strong character affected the nature of his decisions. The internal political situation in both Soviet Russia and Iran demanded Rothstein's immediate and decisive actions. So, despite the establishment of diplomatic relations with Iran, a part of the Bolshevik leaders continued to support the Soviet Republic in Gilan. Rothstein made many efforts to stop that support and took an active part in the process of liquidation of the self-declared state. Meanwhile, some serious internal political changes were happening in Iran. The British post-war occupation of Iran ended, and Rothstein got immediately involved in the active socio-political life of the country. Using the press and his contacts with the Iranian political establishment, the Soviet plenipotentiary tried to solve two main tasks: to weaken the British influence in Iran and to strengthen Soviet-Iranian relations. The February coup d'etat in Iran in 1921 made the Cossack officer Reza Khan an important figure in the Iranian political life, and Rothstein made many efforts to win him over. Rothstein's position in the liquidation of the Soviet Republic of Gilan promoted the strengthening of Reza Khan's influence and became an important step on his way to the supreme power in Iran. Rothstein overestimated his personal influence on the Iranian ruling elite, and the collapse of the Soviet Republic of Gilan revealed the relative weakness of the Soviet influence in that country. As a result, the Soviet plenipotentiary had to begin establishing a political union, which later became known as the National Block. Having created the coalition of the Social Democratic and the Communist parties, labor unions and the press, Rothstein contributed to the overthrowing of the government of Qavam al-Saltaneh, hoping that his successor would establish closer relations with Soviet Russia and carry out some reforms. But those Rothstein's hopes were not realized, and in a few months he had to leave Iran. Time showed the falseness of some Rothstein's views, and the current situation hampered the successful realization of the assigned tasks. In spite of the sharp criticism, Rothstein promoted the ratification of the Soviet-Iranian Treaty and the change of Moscow's attitude toward the problem of the oil fields in Northern Iran. With his participation the foundations of the National Block were laid, and the formation of the system of relations of the Soviet representatives with the representatives of the Iranian political elite started. Because of his vigorous activity and outstanding personality, Rothstein went down in the history of Soviet-Iranian relations as one of the most famous Soviet plenipotentiaries.

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