Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's former Shah, arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday for a visit that highlights the once-warm relationship between his father and Israel, despite the current hostility between the two countries.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani downplayed the visit's significance and declined to comment on it.
The Israeli government declared hours before the arrival of Pahlavi, the former Crown Prince of Iran, that he is “the most senior personality” ever to publicly visit Israel.
Pahlavi, 62, stated that he would deliver “a message of friendship from the Iranian people.”
Israel and Iran enjoyed warmer relations during the era of the Shah, who was backed by the US. However, after the Shah was overthrown in the 1979 revolution, the countries became hostile toward each other.
Israel stated that the purpose of Pahlavi’s visit is to create “a bridge between Israel and the Iranian people, and to express opposition to the Ayatollah regime.”
“A democratic Iran will seek to renew its ties with Israel and our Arab neighbors,” Pahlavi was quoted as saying in an Israeli statement. “In my opinion, that day is closer than ever.”
“I want the people of Israel to know that the Islamic Republic does not represent the Iranian people,” Pahlavi said in a Twitter post before his visit.
“The ancient bond between our people can be rekindled for the benefit of both nations. I’m going to Israel to play my role in building toward that brighter future.”
Pahlavi also said he plans to engage Israeli water experts on ways to address the mismanagement of Iran’s natural resources.
Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel confirmed that Pahlavi will visit a desalination plant to learn about Israel’s advanced water technologies.
Pahlavi is scheduled to participate in Israel’s official ceremonies commemorating the Holocaust during his visit. He will also meet with representatives of Israelis of Iranian origin, as well as representatives of the Baha'i community.
