Son of toppled Iranian Shah to visit Israel
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People carrying historic flags of Iran and portraits of activist Reza Pahlavi, oldest son of the last Shah of Iran, during a protest on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, in February 2023.
PHOTO: AFP
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JERUSALEM - The exiled son of the Iranian Shah toppled in the 1979 Islamic revolution will visit Israel this week, Israel’s government said on Sunday, calling him the “most senior Iranian personality” to ever pay a public visit to Israel.
Israel and Iran enjoyed warmer ties under the United States-backed Shah, though they have become enemies since.
Israel, in its statement, said the visit by Mr Reza Pahlavi is meant to create “a bridge between Israel and the Iranian people, and (is) expressing joint opposition to the Ayatollah regime”.
“A democratic Iran will seek to renew its ties with Israel and our Arab neighbours,” Mr Pahlavi was quoted as saying in the Israeli statement.
“In my opinion, that day is closer than ever.”
During his visit, Mr Pahlavi will take part in Israel’s official Holocaust memorial ceremony. REUTERS
