Mar 4, 8:34 AM
European Parliament Considers Inviting Reza Pahlavi to Discuss Iran’s Future
Exiled son of Iran’s last Shah appears on provisional list of opposition figures for debate in Brussels
The European Parliament is considering inviting Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi to address lawmakers during discussions on the future of Iran following the recent escalation of conflict in the region.
Pahlavi’s name appears on a provisional list prepared by the Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs for a planned exchange of views with Iranian opposition figures. The list, obtained by Euronews, is expected to be finalised later this week.
The proposal includes seven potential speakers representing different strands of opposition to the Islamic Republic. Among them is Shirin Ebadi, the Nobel Peace Prize–winning lawyer and human rights advocate, as well as representatives linked to groups such as the 7 Aban Front, the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and the communist Tudeh Party.
One place on the list is intentionally left vacant as a symbolic gesture representing opposition leaders who remain inside Iran and cannot participate.
Sources say the approach is intended to avoid presenting Pahlavi as the sole opposition voice recognised by the European Parliament. While he is one of the most internationally visible figures opposing the Tehran government, European lawmakers remain cautious about appearing to endorse a specific political alternative.
Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose monarchy was overthrown during the Iranian Revolution. Living in exile for decades, he has positioned himself as a leading advocate for a democratic transition in Iran based on secular governance, rule of law and equal rights.
The exiled figure has strong support among parts of the Iranian diaspora and has appeared at several rallies in Europe. He also maintains contacts with political figures in Washington, including members of the administration of Donald Trump.
Several lawmakers from the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists Group have pushed for Pahlavi to be invited to address a plenary session of the Parliament. However, the proposal has not received broad backing from other political groups.
Pahlavi previously visited the European Parliament in 2023, hosted by conservative lawmakers including Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers and Czech MEP Tomáš Zdechovský.
Although the Parliament’s next plenary session will take place in Strasbourg next week, officials say the chances of Pahlavi speaking there remain low as discussions about the guest list continue.
Written by Thorben Thiede
