Ever since the the Anastasian War ended in 506, the Byzantine and Persian governments had fought over control of Iberia, and Mesopotamia in general. The ever more imposing Byzantines began trying to make advances into the territory, but the Sassanids stopped them. Along with this was a succession crisis in Persia, as Kavadh of Persia asked for Justin I to adopt his son, Khosaru, who was threatened by his brother, Mazdakite. Justinian, Justin's nephew, supported the move, but Justin's Quaestor, Proculus, and Justin eventually denied the adoption. Although negotiations broke down and war was declared in 526, full war didn't start until 530. But Persia first invaded Iberia in 528, and the King of Iberia, Gourgen, asked for Byzantine help.