Matchmaker's Reward

Last May in his capacity as Chief Supervisor of Iranian Students Abroad, the Shah's son-in-law Ardashir Zahedi discovered Farah Diba, the pretty young Iranian art student in Paris who last month ascended the Peacock Throne as the Shah's third wife (TIME, Jan. 4). Last week, for this and other services to the crown, tall, handsome Zahedi was appointed Iran's new Ambassador to the U.S.

At 31, Zahedi will be Washington's youngest ambassador. His father, General Fazlollah Zahedi, was the soldier who took over as Premier of Iran to restore order after weepy Mohammed Mossadegh's fall (the general is now Iran's roving ambassador to Western Europe). Son Ardashir earned an agricultural degree at Utah State University and, in the process, developed a great liking for the U.S. and U.S. ways. American officials gratefully remember him as the young engineer who worked tirelessly with them to make Point Four a success in Iran. The Shah is reportedly upset by increasing criticism of Iran in the U.S., hopes that his knowledgeable son-in-law will be able to combat it. And attractive 19-year-old Princess Shahnaz, who speaks excellent English and French, should be a welcome addition to Washington reception lines.

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