Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa vs Mohammad Ali Shah

Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa negotiated Bahrain's independence from the British protectorate. He became the first Emir of independent Bahrain. The independence was achieved peacefully, and Bahrain joined the United Nations and the Arab League.

Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa oversaw the adoption of Bahrain's first constitution, which established a parliamentary system with an elected National Assembly. The constitution guaranteed civil rights and defined the powers of the emir. It was suspended in 1975.

Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa dissolved the National Assembly and suspended the constitution, citing political instability and threats to security. He ruled by decree for the remainder of his reign. This move centralized power in the monarchy and ended the parliamentary experiment.

Mohammad Ali Shah ordered the Russian-led Cossack Brigade to bombard the Iranian parliament (Majlis) in Tehran, killing many constitutionalists and suspending the constitution. This coup d'

After the bombardment of the Majlis, constitutionalist forces from Tabriz and Isfahan marched on Tehran, forcing Mohammad Ali Shah to abdicate in favor of his son Ahmad Shah. He fled to Russia, ending his attempt to restore autocracy and allowing the constitution to be reinstated.

Mohammad Ali Shah, with Russian support, attempted to invade Persia and regain the throne. He landed at Astarabad but was defeated by constitutionalist forces. This failed attempt further weakened the Qajar dynasty and increased Russian influence in northern Persia.