Former Shah of Iran faced an ink attack in Germany on Thursday (today). The incident happened when Reza Pahlavi was walking on the street with his security guard. A young man with long hair is painted on his coat.
At the time of the incident, multiple reporters and journalists were there with cameras. The video of the incident is going viral on social media platforms. However, the security guards of Reza Pahlavi grabbed the activist attacker and pushed him away from Pahlavi.
Who is Raza Pehlavi?
Reza Pahlavi is a political leader of Iran and the former Crown Prince of the Pahlavi dynasty. He is the eldest son of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. Reza Pahlavi is currently living in New York. He left Iran after the Islamic Revolution in the country in 1979.
Why is the current Iranian regime against Reza Pahlavi?
The government of Iran (the Islamic Republic) opposes Reza Pahlavi for a few clear reasons tied to history, politics, and legitimacy:
1. He represents the old monarchy
Reza Pahlavi is the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown during the Iranian Revolution. That revolution is the foundation of the current regime’s identity. Supporting him would mean questioning the entire basis of the Islamic Republic.
2. Competing claim to leadership
Although he doesn’t rule Iran, Reza Pahlavi presents himself as a unifying opposition figure and talks about a democratic future. The regime sees any alternative leadership—especially one with historical ties to power—as a direct political threat.
3. Symbol for opposition groups
Many Iranians in exile and some inside the country view him as a symbol of change or stability. The government fears that such figures could mobilise protests or weaken internal control.
4. Ideological differences
The current system is based on clerical rule (Islamic governance), while Pahlavi promotes secularism and a separation of religion and state. These are fundamentally opposing visions.
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