The Great Persian Famine (1917–1919): Causes, Consequences, and Legal Reflections on Historical Responsibility

Abstract The Persian Famine of 1917–1919, which coincided with World War I, stands as one of the most catastrophic humanitarian disasters in Iranian history. While estimates of the death toll vary between 2 to 10 million people, the famine's causes are rooted in both natural factors and foreign military intervention, particularly by British forces. This paper reviews the causes, consequences, and scholarly debates about the famine's nature — including claims of it being a "silent genocide" — and explores the theoretical possibility of pursuing international legal action for historical injustice. Keywords: Famine, Genocide, Iran, World War I