Ali Soheyli

? - 1954

Iranian politician.

Ali Soheyli was born in Tabriz and studied at the military school in Tehran. After several cabinet positions, he was named minister of foreign affairs in 1937 and served three times as prime minister during the tenure of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. In 1947, because of pressure from the parliamentary faction loyal to Mohammad Mossadegh, Soheyli, a royalist, was put on trial. He was charged with mis-handling of public funds, illegal intervention in elections in the south of the country, disrespect for the constitutional provision of free speech and a free press, and conspiracy against the nationalist government. After being acquitted of all charges, Soheyli resumed political activity as a minister without portfolio. Famous for his skill in handling foreign diplomats in Iran, he enjoyed amicable relations with both the Russian and the British legations in Tehran. In 1953, he sought appointment as prime minister but failed to get it. The shah appointed him ambassador to Britain, where he died of leukemia.

— NEGUIN YAVARI