Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 435 Where to go
"In a while, I'm going to visit Samarkand. Transoxiana is also the most important place for our country."

The importance of the river valley is self-evident, as it is home to important cities such as Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand. It is also one of Iran's few cotton-producing areas, producing 80% of the country's cotton. In addition, it produces 20% of the raw silk and 35% of the fruit. Furthermore, it serves as a crucial land trade route connecting the Far East. According to a trade treaty signed between Iran and the Far East, Iran replaced Kokand as the only country trading westward with the Far East.

However, trade between Iran and the Far East was disrupted due to the obstruction of the Jehsal Khanate. Now, seeing the Far East preparing to retake this area, it's uncertain what the future holds.
"Speaking of which, where is Abbas? I haven't seen him since I came back."

Naserdin suddenly inquired about his second son's whereabouts, and Murad stammered, saying he had gone on a trip. This was unlike his usual self. When asked where he had gone, he gave an unexpected answer: Newpolis.

Nova Polis is the port of Blanca in Argentina, and Abbas's purpose in going there is self-evident.

"You've really given me a pleasant surprise."

Murad was terrified. Although he was the heir, everyone was afraid of their father's anger, so he quickly explained the whole story.

Abbas admired Muhammad's rise to Sultan and aspired to the same fate, wanting to emulate Ismail I and become a young monarch. A letter from South America presented him with an opportunity.

Following the American Wars of Independence, border issues between nations became a point of contention. The situation in Paraguay was among the most intense.

In 1844, López was elected as the first president of Paraguay. He focused on developing foreign trade, attracting foreign investment, hiring European technicians, and building railways, shipyards, steel mills, schools, setting up telegraph lines, and publishing newspapers, which enabled Paraguay to gradually rise from a poor country to a relatively advanced modern power in Latin America.

In 1862, the elder López died, and his son, the younger López, succeeded him as president. Prior to this, the younger López had already served as the commander-in-chief of the Paraguayan army and the minister of defense. He purchased a large number of new weapons from Europe, including machine guns and cannons, making the Paraguayan army one of the most modern forces in Latin America.

However, since Paraguay is a landlocked country, its foreign trade is conducted via the Paraguay River, then the Paraná River, and finally the Río de la Plata River to the sea. López Obrador has ambitions to become the "Napoleon of South America," and its neighbors Brazil and Argentina also have territorial ambitions toward Paraguay.

The collapse of the Governor-General's authority over the Río de la Plata led to the rise of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay, further exacerbating the territorial dispute. The involvement of Iranian forces has further complicated the situation.

After occupying Blanca, Iran began advancing into the remaining Pampas. The Argentine president was forced to fight them, only to find that the inland regions had already secretly allied with them. If they surrendered to Iran, their property and faith could be preserved, though certain political compromises would be necessary.

This was no problem for Caudillo Jr., and a steady stream of intelligence began to appear on Iran's desk. Of course, Iran also understood that Argentina's core strength lay in the La Plata estuary, with Buenos Aires at its heart. Taking that area would reduce Argentina's capabilities by two-thirds.

Iran also held discussions with Uruguay, a newly independent nation that had sought protection from other countries since gaining independence from Brazil. Originally, Argentina was interested, but Argentina also wanted to annex Uruguay. Therefore, Uruguay turned to Iran, which had little interest in the country, and the two sides reached an agreement.

Abbas heard the news and went to great lengths to get Murad to grant him permission. Of course, his maternal grandfather's family also played a part; everyone wants to expand their power. Anyway, the Shah isn't around, so even if they question him, they won't send anyone to pursue him.

………………

Naserdin is simply speechless. Even in a novel, this would be utterly condemned—a child, how could he have the audacity to cross the Atlantic to South America? Does he want to become the next Pizarro?
“Father, Abbas has always wanted to establish his own achievements. Muhammad’s situation has also been a constant source of motivation for him. Why not let him go and try his luck? That way, we can see what he’s capable of.”

Murad tried to persuade the Shah, and Nasser al-Din wasn't angry, though he was still worried about his son. He could only order his men to keep an eye on Abbas, and if anything seemed amiss, to bring him back immediately, even if it meant being tied up. Thump, thump, thump!
There was a knock on the door, and Abdullah came in again with the telegram, talking as he went.

"Shah, an uprising has broken out in Afghanistan!"

Abdullah sees this uprising as one of the tests for Iran, because it is taking place in Afghanistan, a country between Iran and British power. Britain previously failed in its invasion of Afghanistan, and now its internal turmoil has plunged the region into chaos once again.

"The insurgents have captured Farah and are marching toward Kandahar and Kabul. They are being supported in many places."

The Hazara's actions were more significant than anticipated, despite Iran's continued assistance. The fact that they were able to mobilize 30% of Afghanistan's population was unexpected.

"What's going on in India?"

"Not at the moment, but the King of Afghanistan has already sent people to Calcutta. If India decides to send troops, it will put pressure on us."

As seen on the map, Afghanistan is strategically located at the crossroads of Central Asia, West Asia, and South Asia, making its geographical position extremely important. Furthermore, Iran's annexation of Central Asia has created a protruding region in Afghanistan. If Britain were to annex it, Iran would be forced to deploy a significant military presence there.

Conversely, if Iran controls this area, it can access the Indus and Ganges plains via the Peshawar Pass. Furthermore, if Iran were to completely break with Britain in the future, Britain would have to reconsider its position.

What are they asking us for?

"Quite a lot: weapons, ammunition, diplomatic support. They are willing to become our vassals, but only if they successfully enter Kabul."

Abdullah tapped his pipe lightly on the table, awaiting the Shah's final answer.

"Perhaps, if we let them come to Afghanistan a few times, we can stop Kabul from suppressing our compatriots."

The questioning made Abdullah understand what the Shah was thinking. He bowed to him and then went to discuss countermeasures with the Grand Vizier.

"Father, should we really help them?"

Murad has begun to realize the importance of decision-making; perhaps just a single sentence can determine the fate of millions.

"Of course, what they want is freedom, so let's give them a hand."

(End of this chapter)