Given that his father had been a fervent opponent of the Iranian government, Sam Khan Ilkhani's ascent to power was an unexpected development.

[1] Despite numerous incidents of hostility, the Zafaranlu rulers of Quchan managed to hold onto their status as the most influential vassals of the Iranian government.

[3] During the end of the rule of the Qajar ruler Mohammad Shah (r. 1834–1848), Sam Khan Ilkhani was transported to Tehran and put under surveillance until 1847/48.

Morad Mirza's selection of allies strengthened the tribal leadership of the Khorasani places of Quchan, Dargaz and Bojnord.

Given that his father had been a fervent opponent of the Iranian government, Sam Khan Ilkhani's ascent to power was an unexpected development.

[6] In March 1852, Sardar Kuhandil Khan, the Mohammadzai leader of the city of Kandahar, conquered the towns of Farah and Esfezar and advanced to the boundaries of Herat.