Relations between Iran and Italy are among Iran's long-standing historical relations with European countries, with roots dating back to pre-Pahlavi periods. In the contemporary era, especially during the Pahlavi period, they have acquired broad political, economic, and cultural dimensions. This research, with a historical-analytical approach and relying on documentary sources, examines and analyzes the role of oil in the economic relations between Iran and Italy during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. The main question of the research is: What impact did oil have on the formation, continuation, and expansion of economic relations between the two countries during this period?
The research findings show that oil, as the most important economic factor, has played a decisive role in deepening relations between Iran and Italy.
During the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry led by Dr. Mohammad Mossadegh and the imposition of severe oil sanctions by Britain and its allies, Italy was one of the few countries that continued to buy oil from Iran despite international pressure. And thus played an effective role in reducing economic pressures on the Iranian government. The conclusion of oil contracts between the National Iranian Oil Company and Italian companies, especially the partnership contract with the "Ajib" company affiliated with the "Eni" company, is considered a turning point in the economic relations between the two countries; Because this contract challenged the traditional and unfair structure of consortium oil contracts by increasing Iran's share to more than 50 percent of the profits. The research results indicate that Iran-Italy oil cooperation not only led to the strengthening of bilateral economic relations, Rather, it paved the way for improving Iran's position in international oil negotiations and setting a model for fairer contracts with other foreign companies.