Mahmud’s failure to impose his rule across…

Mahmud’s failure to impose his rule across Persia has made him depressed and suspicious.

He is also concerned about the loyalty of his own men, since many Afghans prefer his cousin Ashraf Khan.

Bbelieving a rumor that one of Sultan Husayn's sons, Safi Mirza, had escaped, Mahmud in February 1725 orders the execution of all the other Safavid princes who are in his hands, with the exception of Sultan Husayn himself.

Sultan Husayn tries to stop the massacre and is wounded, but his action leads to Mahmud sparing the lives of two of his young children.