Iran's Oil Riches: A Century of Geopolitical Struggle

Iran's Oil and the Axis of Evil: A Historical Perspective May 26, 2025 - A recent video by Ukrainian TV personality and poetry expert, Dmitry Spivak, offers a compelling historical analysis of Iran's entanglement in global power struggles, particularly its connection to the concept of the "Axis of Evil". Spivak argues that Iran's significant oil reserves have been a central factor in shaping its geopolitical destiny for over a century. The video traces Iran's history, highlighting the competition between the British and Russian empires for control of the region. Spivak notes, "From the late 19th century, there's been a struggle for Persia (Iran), lasting over a hundred years." He details how this struggle led to the division of influence in Iran, with Britain and Russia carving out spheres of influence. The discovery of vast oil reserves in the early 20th century intensified these power plays. The video also discusses the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, which divided Iran into zones of influence. Spivak asserts that this division was a crucial moment in shaping Iran's modern geopolitical landscape. The video then moves to explore the impact of the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, the Iran-Iraq war, and the ongoing tensions between Iran and the West. Spivak's analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex history of Iran and its role in international relations. His expertise lends credibility to his account, making his video a valuable resource for those seeking to learn more about the region's complicated past and present.