The Safavid troops had occupied Basra since 1698 as part of their broader efforts to assert dominance in the region and counter Ottoman influence. The city, strategically located on the Shatt al-Arab, was vital for trade and military operations. However, during the occupation, the Safavid forces faced growing local resistance. The population of Basra, comprised of a diverse set of ethnic and religious groups, was increasingly unwilling to accept Safavid rule, which was perceived as oppressive. Additionally, the Ottoman Empire, viewing Basra as an integral part of its territory, initiated a series of military campaigns to reclaim the city. By early 1701, the situation had become untenable for the Safavid military command, leading to a strategic decision to withdraw their forces. This retreat was executed under pressure, as Ottoman forces intensified their efforts to reclaim the region, significantly reducing the Safavid presence in southern Iraq.