Mohammad Mansouri Moghaddam

The Persian Gulf, due to its unique geographical position and abundant resources, has always attracted the attention of global powers. In the nineteenth century, France entered this region with political, economic, and military objectives, seeking to gain a foothold in the colonial rivalries. The main aim of this research is to examine the reasons and the manner of France’s presence in the Persian Gulf during the nineteenth century and to analyze the impact of the French Revolution and France’s internal political developments on its policies in the region. This study was conducted using a descriptive–analytical approach and a library-based method. The data were collected from historical sources, books, articles, and related documents, and then analyzed accordingly. The findings show that France’s initial presence in the Persian Gulf was driven by economic and religious motivations. With the rise of Napoleon, however, these objectives shifted towards political and military goals. Establishing consulates, signing treaties with local states, and competing with Britain were the most significant activities of France during this period. The results also reveal that although France never succeeded in challenging Britain’s dominance in the region, its actions influenced the political and economic relations of the Persian Gulf and left a historical legacy for present-day interactions.