Handover of Kishma and Ormus

Handover of Kishma and Ormus

Kishma and Ormus (dark red) within Persia (light red)
Date	May 1, 1984
Time	00:00, Persian time
Location	Kishma and Ormus
Participants	Persia United Kingdom

The Handover of Kishma and Ormus from the United Kingdom to Persia took place at midnight on May 1, 1984, ending 300 years of British rule that began in 1684. This significant event occurred against the backdrop of waning Russian influence in Central Asia and the rise of Persia as a regional power. Kishma and Ormus were reintegrated into Persia as a semi-autonomous unit, with legal protections for existing British companies, including the largest, Kishma Royal Petroleum Ltd., in which Persia was given a stake. The islands were also designated as a free trade zone.

Background

British control of the islands

In 1684, an Anglo-Dutch coalition seized the islands from the collapsing Safavid Empire. Since then, England, and later Britain, managed the islands, using them as strategic hubs for trade and military operations. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain further developed the islands, attracting many Indian migrants for labor and trade. In the 20th century, the islands remained strategically important for Britain, especially during the Silent War, Britain's geopolitical rivalry against Russia. Significant economic migration from Persia in the 20th century contributed to a modern population largely composed of recent Persian immigrants.

Treaty of Teheran (1970)

By the 1940s, Britain had begun its decolonization process, but delayed the return of the islands to Persia due to fears of Russian influence over Central Asia. However, when the United Gulf States (UGS) seceded from the British-led Organization of Democratic Nations (ODN) in 1967 and established an economic rivalry with Britain, fears about Persia following the same direction arose. To ensure Persia's loyalty and prevent it from aligning with the UGS, Britain promised the handover of Kishma and Ormus through the Treaty of Teheran in 1970. This treaty, however, used vague terminology, leaving the promise open-ended.

The handover

A more definitive agreement was reached in 1981, setting the stage for a formal handover. Legal frameworks were drafted and established, and the process began with a referendum in 1982, where the overwhelming Persian immigrant population greatly influenced the vote. The options were to remain part of Britain (31%), become independent (4%), or join Persia (65%). The handover transition then started in 1982 and concluded in 1984.

Key provisions

The key provisions were:

• Kishma and Ormus were to be semi-autonomous within the Persian Kingdom.
• The islands were designated as a free trade zone, encouraging international trade and investment by offering tax exemptions, relaxed regulations, and economic incentives.
• British companies were allowed to continue operating on the islands, and British institutions and businesses were legally safeguarded by the Persian government.
• Limited British naval presence in Kishma and Ormus.

See also

• Persia
• Decolonization