Ansari writes about his return to the United States after a period of business travel, during which he had been unaware of the Shah’s declining health. He recounts that it took him two weeks to attend to his personal matters before he could travel to Egypt to be by the Shah’s side. During a stopover in New York, Ansari met with Houshang Ansari, who informed him that the Shah’s condition had worsened and suggested that he inquire about the Shah’s will. This was a crucial issue, as the Shah’s death raised questions about the future of Iran, especially in terms of leadership and governance. Was there a will, and if so, what did it say about Iran’s future?
At the time of the Shah’s death, Iran was in a state of flux. The Pahlavi regime had been struggling with growing opposition movements, including leftist and Islamic factions, and the Shah’s health issues only compounded these challenges. The question of who would succeed the Shah was a pressing concern, and the potential contents of his will were of great interest to many, including members of the royal family, political figures, and foreign governments. Ansari’s inquiry into the Shah’s will was therefore not only a personal matter but also a matter of significant political importance.
