Iranian exile prince Reza Pahlavi visited Stockholm on Monday and spoke with Swedish parliament members. He called for continued US and Israeli strikes on Iran to facilitate regime change. The visit sparked demonstrations in central Stockholm.
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's former shah, visited Stockholm on Monday, invited by KD and SD to speak in parliament. In an interview with TT, he assessed that the war has weakened and fragmented the Iranian regime but made it more dangerous. He called for continued US and Israeli strikes ”to even the playing field” and prepare the ground for Iranians to take power after 47 years of Islamist rule, TT reported.
Addressing criticism of his family's past rule, Pahlavi said: ”Iranis are no idiots” and ”Many of you are still stuck in 1979”. He claimed lessons had been learned on power distribution and rights. US President Donald Trump has doubted his leadership due to nearly 50 years in exile since 1978, but Pahlavi cited support from millions of Iranians.
The visit prompted several demonstrations in central Stockholm. Protesters hung dolls depicting Pahlavi, Jimmie Åkesson (SD), and Ebba Busch (KD) at Sergels torg, which police removed and reported as unlawful threat. Supporters gathered in Kungsträdgården with a live stream from parliament. ”We need outside help to manage the transition,” said participant Ali Shariati. Counter-protester Sheila Ghelishkhan said Pahlavi is not a symbol of democracy.
