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Reza Pahlavi Presses Europe to Shun Tehran Talks as Berlin Visit Turns Hostile

German leaders kept the exiled crown prince at arm’s length, signaling caution toward endorsing an opposition figure.

Supporters of Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Shah Reza Pahlavi, shout slogans outside the building where Pahlavi holds a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Iran's Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Shah Reza Pahlavi, is protected by security after he was attacked with a red fluid, following a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Iran's Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Shah Reza Pahlavi, waves to supporters after he was attacked with a red fluid following a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
Iran's Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Shah Reza Pahlavi, is protected by security after he was attacked with a red fluid, following a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, April 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Overview

  • The exiled crown prince, speaking at a Berlin press conference Thursday, called European engagement with Iran “appeasement” and urged backing for regime change.
  • Minutes after the briefing, a person splashed him with red liquid outside Germany’s federal press building, and police detained a suspect.
  • He dismissed the recent U.S.–Iran ceasefire as naive and said diplomacy had already had enough chances.
  • Germany’s federal government declined official meetings, while CDU lawmaker Armin Laschet met Pahlavi and said he could help lead a transition.
  • Pahlavi presented himself as a potential transitional leader, and coverage noted Iran’s opposition in exile is split over his legitimacy and role.