The reopening of the British embassy in Tehran marks a rapprochement between the two countries

The relationship between the Islamic republic and the country it calls “Little Satan” has been fraught, encompassing an invasion, a coup, an embassy siege, economic sanctions, a fatwa and the breakdown of diplomatic ties on multiple occasions.

1941 The UK becomes fearful that Iran will join forces with Hitler owing to the strong links formed between Iran and Germany during the 1930s. The UK and Russia invade Iran and jointly occupy the country, forcing King Reza Shah to abdicate. He dies in exile in 1944 and UK troops remain in the country until 1946.

1953 Iranian prime minister, Mohammed Mossadegh, who has attracted the ire of Britain in 1950 for attempting to nationalise the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, is ousted in a coup sponsored by UK and US intelligence services.

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This article was written by Kate Lyons for The Guardian on Aug. 23, 2015. Kate Lyons is a researcher on the news desk at the Guardian.