Iranian dynasty founded by Reza Khan (18771944), an army officer who seized control of the government in 1921 and was proclaimed shah in 1925. During World War II, Britain and the USSR were nervous about his German sympathies and occupied Iran 194146. They compelled him to abdicate in 1941 in favour of his son Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi who was deposed in the Islamic revolution of 1979.
The white saltire comes from the flag of Scotland. The St Patrick's Cross was, in fact, taken from the arms of the powerful Geraldine family. The red cross of St George is taken from the flag of England. Effective date: 1 January 1801.