Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 469 Preparing for Peace Talks
Musharraf's fiscal reform plan was the result of careful consideration. He had already formulated a preliminary plan during his previous tenure as Finance Minister. This plan involved depositing a portion of the oil companies' revenue into banks and closely monitoring stock exchange transactions, using this money to provide support in case of any irregularities.

Abnormal fluctuations in stock exchanges are often precursors to economic crises, so having some reserves can minimize the damage from a crisis. This method is indeed effective; the Tehran Stock Exchange has the fewest instances of abnormal fluctuations among all stock exchanges in the world.

This fiscal reform also aims to increase revenue and make the public finances healthier. The entire burden cannot fall on the shoulders of ordinary people; the nobility and the wealthy must also bear more. Furthermore, with the oil business so lucrative, a price war with other countries could halve revenue. Therefore, controlling oil resources globally is essential.

France and Iran collaborated on oil field exploration in West Africa, but aside from a small amount of oil and gas, they found nothing of value. Unwilling to continue this unprofitable venture, France eventually sold its oil operations to Iran for 650 million rials. Iran also participated in oil operations in Mexico and the Confederate States of America. However, no large-scale oil fields have yet been discovered.

As for the north, Westminster Oil controlled most of the refineries and oil wells, achieving true control over the entire process from extraction to sales. Leveraging its strength, it attracted some white capital and sponsored the election funds of many local councilors and governors, winning their support for the company.

Iran is a bit like mold; wherever there's oil, there it is. Right now, coal still reigns supreme, and it will be another decade or so before oil truly shines. But Iran wants to make that day come sooner.

Russia responded faster than usual, proposing talks in Rostov. Because Iran had begun a fierce offensive on Krasnodar, and Russian reinforcements had yet to arrive, with the command post too far from the front lines, Muravyov could only do everything in his power to provide support.

The Russian forces supporting them in the east, after their first two divisions suffered devastating losses at the hands of Iranian and Circassian cavalry, seemed to have lost their morale and were unable to break through the enemy's blockade. Moreover, their commander sent a message complaining that enemy cavalry was constantly lurking on their flanks, preventing them from launching a full-scale attack on the enemy's blockade.

Meanwhile, in the central region, the Russian army, composed of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Corps of the Caucasus, was tragically blocked by two corps of Iranian troops at a distance of ten kilometers from Krasnodar.

Exhausted, Muravyov asked anxiously, "How is the battle going?"

When asked by the general, the staff officer shook his head. "Nothing has changed. All units are currently stuck around Krasnodar and haven't been able to break through the enemy's blockade."

"Let's think of another way."

"I have already sent a telegram to the frontline commander, requesting them to do everything in their power to provide reinforcements. However, there has been no progress so far."

Upon hearing Muravyov's words, Moklov couldn't help but suggest, "How about we redeploy more troops to intensify the attack?"

Upon hearing the staff officer's suggestion, Muravyov replied directly, "Where can we spare any troops now? The army is basically all on the front lines, and the troops left to guard the rear have been reduced to the bare minimum. There are no soldiers left."

It's infuriating to think about. With nearly 300,000 troops in the vast Caucasus region, they can't even muster enough men? Who can believe that?
“I know we can’t spare troops from the rear. I mean, we can take a few troops from each legion at the front and then send them to the battlefield.”

"This approach won't work. Too few troops are useless, while drawing too many troops will affect the front lines. This approach is absolutely unacceptable."

Let me analyze the consequences of doing this for you. First, the only troops that can be mobilized within a two-day journey are those still engaged in a standoff with the enemy along the border. And according to your plan, at least a regiment would be needed to make an impact. Moving so many regimental-level troops discreetly would be extremely difficult.” Muravyov took a breath and continued.

“Even if the enemy doesn’t discover it, as long as our troops are fighting in Krasnodar, it will be impossible to keep this secret, and at that time the enemy will definitely launch an offensive on the border. If we fail to relieve the siege, our troops will be very likely to be surrounded by the enemy. Such a huge responsibility is enough to make us sinners of Russia.”

Upon hearing Muravyov's explanation, the staff officer finally realized the terrible consequences, so he made a rare attempt to defend himself. "The current war situation has not improved at all, and I'm afraid the St. Petersburg side will lose patience."

"But the Tsar will blame me..."

"There's nothing we can do about it."

Just as Muravyov sighed in relief, the fighting in Krasnodar finally subsided. The Iranian army completely routed the defenders and seized the key city. The last organized force was wiped out by the Iranian army.

In this battle, the Russian army suffered as many as 45,000 casualties. No one would have imagined that Russia would be defeated in yet another battle with Iran.

Since that's the case, someone needs to be held accountable, so Muravyov naturally became the scapegoat. Although no final decision has been made, he will definitely be transferred.

Next came the peace talks, and Alexander decided to hold them in Sochi. He had lost the war, and although he could mobilize troops to continue fighting, it wasn't suitable for the current circumstances.

This battle also made many people realize that the military needs to be strengthened, otherwise it will not be able to guarantee the security of the country. As a result, a larger-scale military reform has come to the forefront.

A subsequent proposal regarding the navy stemmed from the fact that the rapid development of navies in various countries in recent years had become a threat to the Tsar. Even Iran was rumored to be building three ships simultaneously, and Russia couldn't afford to fall behind.

Moreover, although this encounter was only a land-based conflict with Iran, who knows if Iran will deploy its navy in the next confrontation? Furthermore, Russia's Black Sea coast is a wealthy region, naturally requiring a response. The Tsar urgently needed to strengthen his army and navy to address the surrounding diplomatic environment.

By this time, the war had already cost Russia nearly 100,000 men. However, Iranian soldiers were not invincible either, and their losses were also considerable. Military statistics indicate that over 18,000 officers and soldiers were killed, missing, or wounded. If losses to allies are included, the number approaches 30,000.

Both sides have a need for a ceasefire, and Iran has agreed to hold the negotiations in Sochi. Moreover, autumn has arrived, and if we have to wait until next spring, it's better to end the talks sooner rather than later.

(End of this chapter)