In this article, the author tried to analyze the diplomatic and political struggle that unfolded in 1910 in Great Britain and Russia on the issue of granting a large loan to Persia (Iran). The two major colonial powers in the Middle East played "their own game" by trying, if not through political mechanisms, then using the rather effective policy of the "golden needle" on the Shah's government of Iran. The article reveals the stages of competitive competition, the involvement of third financial groups - private financial institutions and analyzes the finale of this confrontation.