Politics · Germany · 9 hrs ago
Reza Pahlavi urges EU to take tougher action against Iran's leaders
Reza Pahlavi urged the EU to take tougher action against Iran's leaders during a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels.
He called for sanctions, the expulsion of Iranian diplomats and help keeping internet access available in Iran.
Pahlavi, who lives in exile in the United States, is the son of the shah ousted in 1979 and has presented himself as a possible transitional leader.
He says he would be a bridge to democracy, with Iran's future decided by referendum.
His role is contested because of the country's monarchist past, and critics say Iranians are seeking democracy and equal rights, not a return to monarchy.
Pahlavi is due to accept a freedom prize for the Iranian people from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, but Iranian groups and politicians have objected to the award.
The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at Frankfurt's Paulskirche, where Pahlavi says he will receive the prize as its custodian.
Reza Pahlavi urged the European Union to take tougher action against Iran’s leadership during a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels.
He called for sanctions, the expulsion of diplomats and steps with technology companies to protect internet access for people in Iran.
Pahlavi said the EU should show the same resolve toward Iran as it has toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He blamed Iran’s leadership for the deaths of thousands of people and described himself as a bridge to democracy.
His planned role in receiving a freedom award for the Iranian people has drawn criticism from Iranian organizations and others.
- Who
- Reza Pahlavi, an Iranian opposition politician and son of the shah overthrown in 1979.
- What
- He urged the EU to take tougher action against Iran’s leaders, including through sanctions and diplomatic measures.
- When
- During a visit reported on November 4, 2026.
- Where
- At the European Parliament in Brussels.
- Why
- He blamed Iran’s leadership for the deaths of thousands of people and called for stronger pressure on it.
Reza Pahlavi
Critics of his role in the award
EU action
Reza Pahlavi
Pahlavi called for sanctions, diplomatic expulsions and support for internet access in Iran.
Critics of his role in the award
Not stated
Political future
Reza Pahlavi
Pahlavi said he saw himself as a bridge to democracy and that a referendum should decide the outcome.
Critics of his role in the award
Özlem Demirel said people in Iran were fighting for democracy and rights, not for a monarchy.
Freedom award
Reza Pahlavi
Pahlavi said he was only the custodian of the award and that many Iranians supported the foundation’s decision.
Critics of his role in the award
Iranian organizations, former prisoners from the shah’s era and others criticized his role in receiving it.
The shah was overthrown.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation began awarding its freedom prize every two years.
Pahlavi called for tougher EU action during a visit to the European Parliament in Brussels.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at Frankfurt’s Paulskirche.
- EU visit
- European Parliament, Brussels
- Proposed measures
- Sanctions, diplomatic expulsions and support for internet access
- Award
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation freedom prize for the Iranian people
- Award venue
- Paulskirche, Frankfurt
- Award schedule
- Every two years since 2006
What people are saying
People in Iran have been fighting for years for democracy, freedom, women's rights, social security and equal participation for all ethnic groups—not for a crown!
I see myself only as a bridge to democracy.
I am only the custodian of this award.