The surrender of Bushehr to British forces occurred in the context of the Anglo-Persian War, primarily driven by tensions surrounding trade routes and territorial disputes in the Persian Gulf. By this point, the British Empire aimed to secure its interests in the region, particularly to counter Russian expansion and protect shipping lanes critical for trade with India. The city of Bushehr, strategically located on the Persian Gulf, served as a key maritime hub and a gateway for British naval power in the area.

As British troops entered Bushehr, they faced limited resistance from local forces, who were often inadequately supplied and prepared for modern warfare. British naval supremacy facilitated a relatively swift occupation, which not only showcased military efficiency but also emphasized the declining influence of Qajar Persia over its coastal cities. The presence of British forces meant increased military engagements, financial impositions, and changes in local governance, as they established a foothold that would serve as a base for further operations in the region.

The occupation of Bushehr created significant socio-political shifts in Persia, influencing its relations with other countries. Local Persian leaders had to negotiate with a British presence that was growing bolder by the day. Furthermore, the consequent British control over Persian ports reshaped regional trade dynamics and altered the balance of power in the Gulf, propelling the idea of foreign intervention in domestic policies, which would have lasting implications for Iranian sovereignty.