The discovery of oil at Masjed Soleyman in southwest Persia is considered a pivotal moment in the global oil industry. Following exploratory drilling by local prospectors, a well was struck, revealing a vast reservoir of crude oil. This newfound resource transformed the region's economic landscape and catalyzed the modernization of petroleum extraction techniques. The discovery quickly garnered attention from international investors, leading to the involvement of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, a joint venture between British and Persian interests to capitalize on the discovery. This acquisition not only enabled the British to fuel their naval ships with oil instead of coal but also positioned them to dominate the burgeoning global oil market.

As the Anglo-Persian Oil Company established operations, it laid down the infrastructure needed for oil extraction and exportation. Oil wells were drilled extensively, and refineries were built, allowing for crude oil to be processed and shipped to Europe and beyond. This development attracted foreign interest and investment, and oil began to play a crucial role in influencing global politics and economics. The strategic importance of oil was recognized, altering power dynamics between countries as energy needs increased dramatically during the early 20th century.

Furthermore, the discovery at Masjed Soleyman set off a race for oil exploration across the Middle East, leading to similar discoveries in countries like Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. This event marked the beginning of a new geopolitical landscape in which control over oil resources became a central issue in international relations. It initiated a long-term impact on the socioeconomic structures of the region, influencing its development into a major global energy supplier in the latter half of the 20th century.