Reza Pahlavi Visits Berlin as Germany Keeps Diplomatic Distance

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah, visited Berlin on 23 April 2026, positioning himself as a representative voice of Iranian opposition forces in exile. His appearance at the Federal Press Conference drew attention due to his calls for increased international pressure on Tehran and his endorsement of recent US and Israeli military actions against Iranian targets. The visit occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and Western states, including Germany.

During his remarks, Pahlavi said the Iranian government is weakened and called on foreign governments not to rely on negotiations with Tehran. He also described himself as a “representative of the Iranian people.”  Additionally, he expressed support for strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran, stating they had affected state infrastructure and security structures.

The German government stated that it saw “no reason” to hold official talks with Pahlavi. Government representatives said he was visiting Germany in a private capacity. At the same time, members of the Bundestag met with him in Berlin, including Armin Laschet, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, who commented publicly on his visit. Other German politicians, including Berlin Justice Senator Felor Badenberg, criticized the Pahlavi family’s historical record in Iran prior to 1979.

Public reactions in Berlin included demonstrations supporting and opposing Pahlavi. After leaving the Federal Press Conference, he was attacked by a protester, who was later arrested. Reports also noted that gatherings took place in other parts of the city.

The visit highlighted different political reactions in Germany regarding engagement with Iranian opposition figures. While some political actors held discussions with Pahlavi, the German government maintained that it would continue formal contact with the current Iranian authorities and did not engage in official dialogue.

• https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/schah-sohn-reza-palavi-besucht-berlin-kritik-an-geplantem-treffen-im-bundestag-15507798.html
• https://www.dw.com/de/reza-pahlavi-in-berlin-vertreter-des-iranischen-volkes/a-76912377