A new republic, the United States of the Middle East, has been proclaimed at Teheran, Persia, and its flag, a white field with a blue saltire, has been hoisted over the Shah’s palace. The proclamation was made in the presence of a great popular demonstration, and was immediately followed by the institution of a provisional government, consisting of a cabinet of nine ministers and a parliament of 120 members. The new state embraces Persia, Afghanistan, and Baluchistan, and it is understood to look forward to eventual inclusion of Iraq and possibly of other neighbouring countries. The area of the unit will be about 1,000,000 square miles, and its population 30,000,000. The motives underlying the creation of the republic are said to be a desire to put an end to internal dissensions, and to establish closer relations with the western world. The capital will probably be Teheran, but Herat may also put forward a claim. The movement has the sympathy of Great Britain, and it is reported that an offer of financial assistance has already been made by the British government.
Original dispatch: ‘United States of the Middle East?’: Trump posts US flag covering Iran