Reza Pahlavi was splashed with a red liquid on Thursday while leaving a building in Berlin. This incident took place outside the venue for a federal press conference shortly after Pahlavi had addressed reporters, where he voiced his concerns about the ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Despite the liquid staining his blazer and neck, he appeared unharmed and waved to supporters before getting into a car and leaving the area. Police later identified the substance as tomato juice.
The person suspected of throwing the liquid was quickly detained, but their identity remains confidential due to German privacy laws.
Pahlavi, 65, is the son of Iran’s last shah, who was removed from power during the Iranian Revolution. Although he has lived in exile for many years, Pahlavi is trying to position himself as a significant political figure for Iran’s future. However, how much support he has inside the country is uncertain.
According to reports from German news agency dpa, hundreds of his supporters gathered near the German parliament during his visit. Pahlavi did not meet with any government officials while in Berlin. He criticized the ceasefire, arguing it assumes that Iran will change its behavior, suggesting it claims, “you’re going to deal with people who suddenly have become pragmatists.”
