Who is Ardeshir Zahedi? | Full Biography, Political Record, and Role in the Contemporary History of Iran

Ardeshir Zahedi, a prominent diplomat, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, and ambassador during the Pahlavi era, was one of the most influential figures in Iran's foreign policy during the 1960s and 1970s. As the former son-in-law of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and the son of General Fazlollah Zahedi, he held a special position within Iran's political power structure, and even after the 1979 revolution, he remained a center of media attention due to his distinct stances.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of Ardeshir Zahedi's biography, his role in the August 19 August coup (28 Mordad), his period of diplomatic activity in Britain and the United States, as well as his controversial positions during the final years of his life.

From birth in Tehran to studying in America

Ardeshir Zahedi was born on October 16, 1928, in Tehran. His father, General Fazlollah Zahedi, was a key commander of the Pahlavi military and an influential political figure of that era. His mother, Khadijeh Pirnia, also came from a political and highly influential family within the Qajar and Pahlavi structures.

He completed his primary education in Tehran and Isfahan, and later moved to Beirut and then to the United States to pursue his higher education. In 1950, Zahedi successfully obtained a degree in agricultural engineering from Utah State University. This period played a significant role in shaping his international connections.

Ardeshir Zahedi's Role in the August 19, 1953 Coup (28 Mordad)

The turning point of Ardeshir Zahedi's political life was the August 19, 1953 coup. Alongside his father, General Fazlollah Zahedi, he played an active role in the developments that led to the downfall of Mohammad Mosaddegh's government.

During this period, he played an unofficial yet significant role in political coordinations and communications with foreign forces, and following the success of the coup, he entered the inner circle of the Pahlavi court.

Marriage with Shahnaz Pahlavi and entering the court

Ardeshir Zahedi's marriage to Shahnaz Pahlavi in 1957 consolidated his position within the Pahlavi power structure. The marriage resulted in a daughter named Mahnaz.

Although this marriage ended in divorce in 1964, the close relationship and trust between Zahedi and Mohammad Reza Shah continued until the end of the monarchy.

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Diplomatic records of Ardeshir Zahedi

Ardeshir Zahedi was one of the most important diplomats of the Pahlavi era and worked in key positions:

The most important responsibilities:

• Ambassador of Iran to the United Kingdom (1962 to 1966)
• Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran (1966 to 1971)
• Ambassador of Iran to the United States of America (1973 to 1979)

During his ministry of foreign affairs, Iran's foreign relations developed especially with the West.  Also, during this period, issues such as Iran's sovereignty over the three islands and regional issues of the Persian Gulf were put on the agenda.

During his embassy in America, Zahedi was one of the well-known figures in Washington and played an important role in the political relations between Iran and the United States.

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Fall of Pahlavi and exit from Iran

With the onset of the 1979 revolution, Ardeshir Zahedi attempted to use his diplomatic position to support the Shah, but these efforts yielded no results.

Following Mohammad Reza Shah's departure from Iran, Zahedi also left the country and spent some time alongside the Shah in Egypt, Panama, and Mexico.

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The last years of life in Switzerland

Following the passing of Mohammad Reza Shah in 1980, Ardeshir Zahedi settled in Switzerland and lived in the city of Montreux. During this period, he mostly focused on personal activities, writing his memoirs, and preserving historical documents.

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Controversial positions of Ardeshir Zahedi in the last years

In the last years of Omar's life, Ardeshir Zahedi adopted different positions from the past, which had a wide reflection in the international media:

The most important positions:

• Opposition to US sanctions against Iran
• Supporting Iran's right in the nuclear program
• Praising Iran's military power
• Positive comments about Qassem Soleimani

These positions made him remain a controversial figure among different political currents.

Death of Ardeshir Zahedi

Ardeshir Zahedi passed away on November 18, 2021, at the age of 93 in Montreux, Switzerland. Until the end of his life, he referred to himself as a "soldier of the homeland."

Ardeshir Zahedi biography summary table

  Frequently asked questions

Who is Ardeshir Zahedi?
Diplomat and former foreign minister of Iran during the Pahlavi period.

Where did Ardeshir Zahedi die?
in Montreux, Switzerland.

What were the most important positions of Ardeshir Zahedi?
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran and Ambassador of Iran to America and Britain.