1943 - Teheran, Iran. Mrs. Louis Dreyfus, wife of the United States Minister to Iran, visiting native inhabitants. Library of Congress / mediadrumworld.com

By Mark McConville

INCREDIBLE images have revealed the friendly face of Iran when it acted an ally for the United States and even welcomed Polish refugees during World War Two.

 

1943 – Somewhere in Iran. American, Russian and Royal air force pilots at a delivery point of Allied warplanes to the Russians. Library of Congress / mediadrumworld.com

The striking pictures show US, British and Russian troops as the Allies delivered planes, equipment and supplies to Russia.

British and American railroad workers are also pictured taking a break in Iran on their journey to Russia with more supplies while Iranian mechanics work on American warplanes.

 

1943 – An American crew in the cab of an American engine are at a stop on the railway passing the time with some Iranian boys somewhere in Iran. Library of Congress / mediadrumworld.com

Other candid shots show Polish refugees at a Polish evacuee camp in the capital city, Tehran. Polish women are pictured making their own clothing with rows of sewing machines.

 

1943 – Teheran, Iran. Polish faces. Library of Congress / mediadrumworld.com

Mrs. Louis Dreyfus, wife of the United States Minister to Iran, was also snapped visiting a poor section of the Tehran and distributing food and supplies to the needy.

 

1943 – Teheran, Iran. Mrs. Louis Dreyfus, wife of the United States Minister to Iran, visiting a poor section of the city. Library of Congress / mediadrumworld.com

Ahmad Shah Qajar, Shah of what was then Persia between 1909 to 1925, poses for the camera while the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, is pictured in 1964 with US President Lyndon B. Johnson.

 

1964 – Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and US President Lyndon B. Johnson. Library of Congress / mediadrumworld.com

Mohammad Reza Shah was overthrown on February 11th 1979 although he had already left the country on January 16th 1979 and left his duties to a regency council and prime minister.

 

1943 – Teheran, Iran. Young Polish girl. Library of Congress / mediadrumworld.com

Iran then voted to become an Islamic Republic on April 1st 1979 following a national referendum.