Occupation of Iran in World War 2

The Shah meanwhile protested vigorously to the ambassadors, comparing the allied attack to the German invasion of Poland.  The British received the impression that the Shah was surprised by the attack, although writher this was from ignorance or complacency is undetermined.  The Iranians tried to get the Americans to intervene, but the Americans were unable to assist them.  Meanwhile, large numbers of Germans attempted to flee Iran, while the Iranians tried to persuade Turkey to give them safe conduct.