Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 94 Iran-Ottoman Alliance
It's not just the two precarious small countries in the Caucasus that Iran needs to ensure other countries unite to counter Russia. After all, only unity can defeat a country with such rampant expansionist ambitions.

Reshid Pasha returned to Tehran, this time with the aim of forging an alliance between the two countries. This was because Russia was pressuring the Sultan over the Orthodox Christian issue within the Ottoman Empire, demanding guarantees of their rights.

The Ottomans have used this excuse countless times, and Russia has used it step by step to dismantle the Ottoman Empire. Now, Russia's ambitions for Istanbul remain undiminished, and it can only find other allies to fight alongside it.

Amir was responsible for discussing the alliance with Reshid Pasha. Previously, the Ottomans had the upper hand in border and personnel movement negotiations. However, times had changed. Britain favored Iran, which was initiating reforms, and this alliance negotiation was conducted at the urging of the Sultan by the British ambassador to the Ottomans. After all, more people meant more strength.

"I never expected to meet you, Your Excellency. You are quite famous."

Amir was referring to the Tanzimat reforms promoted by Reshid. These large-scale reforms were touted by European newspapers, who claimed that once completed, the Ottoman Empire would regain the glory of Suleiman I.

"Not at all, it's just a small contribution to the country. The pressure from Russia is making Sudan restless, and I imagine your country is in the same boat."

Amir nodded. "They have taken large tracts of land from us. Now, two-thirds of the land in the Caucasus was taken from Iran. And the Russians are insatiable. If we don't stop them, they might annex both countries."

Reshid knew he could push through the Iranian prime minister's claims, but without offering tangible benefits, he couldn't sway him. After all, the animosity between Iran and the Ottoman Empire wouldn't be resolved by Russia; some bloodshed was necessary.

"Your Excellency Amir, we are aware of your country's thoughts. We came here to discuss this issue, and Sudan has promised to offer generous rewards so that Iran can feel our sincerity."

“Please speak.” Amir wanted to hear the Pasha’s terms first.

“We can transfer the disputed territories between our two countries to your country, including recognizing the land east of the Euphrates River as your property. This is what I specifically requested from the Sultan. This is the greatest demonstration of Ottoman sincerity.”

Faced with the Ottoman's offers, Amir and Foreign Minister Pezeshkian were both surprised, according to their previous assessment. Shouldn't this negotiation be like squeezing toothpaste, gradually revealing benefits to tempt them? Why was Reshid Pasha acting so unpredictably?

Faced with this situation, Amir continued to ask, "So what are the conditions?"

Upon hearing the inquiry, Reshid Pasha stated his proposed terms: "After Persia and the Ottomans formed an alliance, they jointly declared war on Russia and sent troops to attack Russia in the Caucasus. We can also assist you in your offensive in the Caucasus region."

By the time Reshid Pasha stated Osman's conditions, Amir had recovered and immediately retorted, "I speak frankly, Your Excellency, the government and the Shah will not agree to these conditions. Your demands are too high, and the compensation offered is insufficient."

Upon hearing Amir's speech, Reshid inwardly cursed his misjudgment. It seemed Iran hadn't been interested in his demands. He quickly inquired, "And what about your country's terms?"

"As per our demands, if Russia attacks the Ottomans, we will declare war on the Russian Empire, but we must take over the entire front in the Caucasus region. Furthermore, you will have to bear a portion of our country's military expenditures."

Reshid Pasha, of course, could not accept this, and he also suspected it was an exorbitant demand from Iran. Indeed, during the discussions, this proposal was something Amir and Nasser al-Din had agreed upon as something they could abandon. Presenting it now was merely a test of the other side's reaction. "Your Excellency Amir," he said, "your proposal is not conducive to the negotiations. No one will sign on these terms. I hope you can come up with a reasonable solution, instead of being too greedy and making things worse."

After hearing Reshid's speech, Amir knew that the Ottomans would not accept such conditions. However, based on Reshid's words, he basically concluded that if the size of the territory demanded was reduced, it would be very likely that the Ottomans would agree. But for now, a period of calm was needed, allowing both sides to process the information and prepare for the upcoming negotiations.

"In that case, given that our differences are quite significant, I suggest we take a break and continue our discussions tomorrow."

“That’s a very good suggestion. Let’s go and rest first.” Reshid stood up and said to Amir in agreement, then he led his entourage out of the conference room.

Amir stood up, rubbing his aching lower back, and said, "The Ottomans are extremely anxious right now, probably because of the current situation. You see, given the current circumstances, the Ottomans will likely have to fight another war with Russia."

The next day, the same familiar faces appeared again. After exchanging greetings, both sides prepared to continue negotiating the terms from the previous day.

Because the talks were being held in Iran, Reshid couldn't relay the information back to Istanbul in a timely manner, but he had full authorization from the Sultan, so it basically depended on how well the talks went.

The situation was much easier in Iran. The Shah's instruction to Amir was that even if the Caucasus region didn't cooperate, it shouldn't be a hindrance. Amir believed this objective was easily achievable. Moreover, they had their biggest trump card: complete control over the Ottoman mindset.

Furthermore, Wallace also went to the Gulestan Palace to meet with Nasser al-Din, urging Iran to form an alliance with the Ottoman Empire from the perspective of the international situation.

The two sides have now started a new round of negotiations, but this time Amir spoke first.

“Reshid Pasha, to demonstrate our country’s sincerity, we are willing to make concessions on yesterday’s terms. However, we hope you can facilitate the pilgrimage and trade of our subjects. This is the greatest sincerity we can express, and we hope it will not make things difficult for everyone.”

Hearing the other side make such a significant concession and lower their demands, Reshid Pasha knew that he also had to make concessions, otherwise the negotiations could not continue.

"Thank you for your government's understanding of our country. We have felt your sincerity. At the same time, we have brought more generous terms. If a war breaks out in the future, and your country is the main force in the Caucasus region, our country will fully cooperate and provide supplies and some military expenses. All the land your country conquers will belong to you. In addition, we can also make some concessions on pilgrimage and trade. These are our final conditions, and we hope that Your Excellency will understand."

"That's natural"

On October 25, Iran and the Ottoman Empire signed a treaty of alliance in Tehran. The treaty stipulated that if either country were attacked by Russia, the other would provide military assistance. In the Caucasus region, the Ottoman Empire would provide Iran with some supplies and funds, and it would also greatly facilitate Iranian pilgrimages and trade with the Ottoman Empire.

(End of this chapter)