Ashraf Pahlavi, twin sister of last Iran shah, dies at 96

NEW YORK (APP) - Princess Ashraf Pahlavi, the twin sister of the last shah of Iran and a controversial trailblazer for women's rights, has died aged 96, an advisor said Friday.

Princess Ashraf, who played a key role in domestic and international politics, died at her home in Europe on Thursday, advisor Robert Armao said.

She was widely regarded as a talented diplomat and headed the Iranian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly for more than a decade.

The princess was also considered a powerful spokeswoman and ally for her brother.