Know when the first ever dispute between the US and Iran took place? Waaaay back in the 1850s. What was the issue? Iran wanted the US *more* involved in its affairs, and the US *refused* to interfere.... A thread 1/

From 1851 to 1854, the two countries tried to negotiate their first treaty of friendship. But Iran made outrageous demands -- the purchase of US warships, manned by American officers, and full US naval protection for its merchant ships. Why?... 2/

To send a message to the British, who were dominant in the Persian Gulf, that Iran had American friendship and protection. But Iran didn't stop there. They even asked for permission to fly the STARS & STRIPES from every one of their commercial vessels.... 3/

Naturally, the US refused. Washington didn't want to get involved in the affairs of a distant kingdom where it didn't feel it had any strategic interests. Negotiations languished for 2 more years, until eventually the deadlock broke.... 4/

So how was this first ever dispute between Iran and America finally resolved? Find out on pp30-32 of my new book, America and Iran: A History, 1720 to the Present -- out now in the UK from @OneworldNews and in the US in January from @AAKnopf http://tinyurl.com/y78w4733