Iranian exile prince Reza Pahlavi arrived in Sweden on Sunday under heavy security. In SVT's Agenda, he defended his wish to lead a transitional government in Iran. On Monday, he will visit parliament to engage Swedish politicians in the war against the regime.
Reza Pahlavi, eldest son of Iran's last shah, arrived in Sweden on Sunday, six weeks into the war and a day after US-Iran peace talks collapsed after 21 hours of negotiations. He has lived in exile in the US for over 50 years and has been floated as a possible leader of a transitional government if the regime falls.
On Sunday evening, he was photographed entering the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm after a visit to the parliament building. The area was cordoned off with armed police and police cars, and much of the schedule remains secret due to the massive security presence.
In SVT's Agenda at 21:00, Pahlavi addressed criticism over his legitimacy. "Many of those who opposed my father back then support me today. Many from the left that were most antagonistic towards him now cooperate with me," he said. He added: "Look at women's situation then and now. [...] I am proud of my heritage and what was achieved at that time."
On Monday, he will visit parliament at the invitation of the Christian Democrats and Sweden Democrats. He hopes the trip will spur greater Swedish involvement against the regime. Three demonstrations are planned in Stockholm, including one with up to 10,000 participants at Kungsträdgården at 17:00.
Critics question his role. Swedish-Iranian politician Ali Esbati said: "He is a person whose only point on his CV is that he is the son of a former dictator ousted in 1979." Historians note that Iran was ruled as an authoritarian monarchy under his father.
