On May 7, 1967, Houshang Ansari became Iran’s ambassador to the United States. He served until July 25, 1969, a relatively short period, yet one of immense consequence. These were years when Britain was withdrawing from east of Suez, and the Shah sought to position Iran as the principal guardian of Western interests in the Persian Gulf.
Ansari’s mission was twofold: to deepen military and economic ties with Washington and to persuade American policymakers that Iran should replace Britain as the dominant regional power. He cultivated relationships with congressmen, business leaders, defense officials, and diplomats. His wife Maryam and his social presence facilitated entry into elite circles, where personal connections often mattered as much as formal negotiations.
