The son of the Shah of Persia, who was overthrown in 1979, Reza Pahlavi, is not seeking a leadership role in the event of a successful change of government in Iran. “I have no personal ambitions. I don’t strive for power. I don’t want a crown on my head or a title,” said the 65-year-old at the Munich Security Conference. He wanted to bring the country to such a level that the people could elect their first democratic government. “For me, this is the goal and the fulfillment of my life’s work.”
Pahlavi called on all opposition members in Iran and opponents of the incumbent government to stand together for the change of government: “If you look at the future of Iran, today we can all be allies for a common goal, namely liberation and secular democracy as an alternative to this dictatorial rule. I think we are all in the same boat.” This does not mean that everyone will have to hold the same opinions or vote for the same politicians in the future.
There is currently a window of opportunity in Iran “that could mean a turning point for the whole world,” said Pahlavi. Therefore, the other countries would have to decide whether they wanted to be on the right side of history. The people of Iran, on the other hand, have no choice but to fight. “We have no choice but to break free. And the only way to minimize this fight in terms of time and loss of life is to not fight this fight alone.” After the suppression of the protests, there is no going back to everyday life for the people of Iran: “There is too much blood flowing between us and this regime.”
In solidarity with the anti-government mass protests in Iran, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was illuminated in the Iranian colors in the evening – with the slogans “Freedom for Iran – Freedom for Iran – Woman Life Freedom”. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) stated that the Iranian people stand up for freedom, self-determination and fundamental rights. Addressing the leadership in Tehran, he said: “Anyone who intimidates, imprisons and kills their own population has no legitimacy.”
The fact that the protests in the Islamic Republic have now been violently suppressed does not change the fact that the desire for freedom remains, said the CDU politician. The people there want to live self-determined lives, express their opinions freely and live in dignity. “Our city stands firmly on your side. Berlin knows from its own history: Freedom will make its way,” said Wegner.
