Final answer:
Reza Shah Pahlavi countered foreign influence by aligning closely with Western powers, primarily through strong military ties with the United States and economic policies favorable to Western oil companies. The question's specific options require additional context, but historically, the Shah's alliances and economic strategies contributed to increased Western influence rather than counteracting it.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reza Shah Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, attempted to counter British influence in Southern Iran by implementing policies that would reduce foreign control over the nation's resources and fortify his own rule. After the forced abdication of his father by the British and Soviet forces in 1941, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi came to power during a time of geopolitical tension and international interest in Iran's oil reserves. His policies aimed to consolidate power and modernize Iran's society, aligning closely with Western interests, particularly those of the United States, which provided extensive economic and military support.
While the Shah did implement various strategies during his reign, the specific actions provided in the question (A. forming military alliances, B. fostering economic dependencies, C. implementing cultural exchanges, D. establishing trade agreements) require more context for a conclusive answer. However, historically, the Shah's regime maintained strong military ties with the U.S. and pursued economic policies that benefited Western oil companies. This included receiving a share of the profits from oil and U.S. aid in exchange for political support, which inevitably intensified the reliance on and connection with Western powers, particularly the US.
Due to significant Western influence, and the Shah's opulent lifestyle and authoritarian rule, his government was eventually met with resistance that culminated in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. It is important to note that resilience to British influence specifically would have been part of a broader strategy of nationalization and assertion of sovereignty that was more directly challenged under Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, who sought to nationalize Iran's oil industry before his overthrow in 1953.