Reza Pahlavi appealed to Western governments to support efforts against Iran, while criticising Germany for declining to meet him during a visit to Berlin.
Pahlavi, whose father Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was overthrown during the Iranian Revolution that brought Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to power, accused European nations of inaction in the face of what he described as violent repression of protests in Iran.
Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, he said: “The question is not whether change will come. Change is on the way.”
He added: “The real question is how many Iranians will lose their lives while the community of Western democracies continue to merely watch.”
His remarks came as demonstrations by both supporters and opponents took place in central Berlin. A protester was detained after Pahlavi was splashed with a red liquid during a public appearance.
Pahlavi, who has lived largely in exile, had emerged as a potential opposition figure following widespread anti-government protests across Tehran and other cities last year. However, Iran’s opposition movements remained fragmented, and Western governments had been cautious about endorsing him amid uncertainty over his domestic support.
European countries, including Germany, had ruled out joining the United States and Israel in the conflict, which escalated after joint military actions that reportedly killed Ali Khamenei earlier in the war.
Pahlavi criticised the German government under Friedrich Merz for refusing to meet him during his visit, describing the decision as disappointing.
“Exercise your prerogative. As democracies, you’re entitled to talk to whoever you want,” he said.
His visit came at a time when diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict appeared stalled, with both Iran and the United States maintaining blockades around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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