Persia was located at the crossroads of several important trade routes, including the Silk Road. This made it a strategically important location for trade and military purposes.
Persia also had a number of valuable natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. This made it an attractive target for foreign investment and exploitation.
Finally, Persia's central government was often weak and unstable. This allowed foreign powers to exert influence over the country and to gain control of its resources.