The Relationship Between Ansari and Reza Pahlavi
The bond between Ahmad Ali Masoud Ansari and Reza Pahlavi extended beyond a professional advisor-client relationship. They were childhood friends, and their relationship grew closer as they aged. Following the death of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the former Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi turned to Ansari for guidance, particularly in the management of his financial affairs.
In the tumultuous aftermath of the Iranian Revolution, when the Pahlavi dynasty was overthrown and forced into exile, Reza Pahlavi, who was still grappling with the complexities of his new political role, sought the help of Ansari. He needed assistance in managing his inherited wealth and organizing his finances, which were scattered across several countries. Ansari became more than just a financial advisor—he assumed the role of a father figure, providing Reza Pahlavi with emotional and logistical support during one of the most trying periods in his life.
In those days, Ansari was Reza Pahlavi’s closest confidant. As Ansari himself described, their relationship was like that of brothers: “You couldn’t be closer than that.” This closeness was evident in their personal lives, as they often sought refuge from the controlling influence of Reza’s mother, Queen Farah Pahlavi. During their stay in Egypt, they would sneak out together for some freedom from the rigid expectations placed upon them, underscoring their shared sense of rebellion and camaraderie.