Doused with Tomato Sauce in Berlin... Iran's Last Crown Prince Remains Composed Instead of Flustered

Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince of Iran who has advocated for the restoration of the monarchy, was attacked by an unidentified assailant and covered in tomato sauce during an unexpected incident in Berlin, Germany. He was reportedly able to leave the scene calmly, waving to his supporters without showing much agitation.

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi of Iran covered in tomato sauce. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News Agency

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According to Yonhap News Agency, Germany's dpa news agency reported on the 23rd (local time) that as Pahlavi was leaving a German federal government press conference building in Berlin, a man threw a red liquid at him. The liquid was later confirmed to be tomato sauce.

Pahlavi was doused with the sauce on his neck and shoulders, but was not injured. dpa reported that he maintained a relatively composed demeanor, waving to supporters who were waiting outside the building.

The assailant was immediately subdued and arrested at the scene. Police have launched an investigation to determine the suspect's identity and motive.

Pahlavi is the son of the last Shah of Iran, who was ousted during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and is currently living in exile in the United States. He has repeatedly stated that he intends to return to Iran and assume power if the current regime collapses, and he has voiced support for the hardline approaches taken by the United States and Israel toward Iran. However, his political role remains a subject of debate even within Iran's opposition movement, where factions supporting the restoration of the monarchy coexist with those against it.

During this visit to Berlin, Pahlavi criticized the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran by stating that it is "predicated on the assumption that the Iranian government will suddenly adopt a pragmatic attitude." He added, "It does not mean that diplomacy is unnecessary, but sufficient opportunities have already been given," expressing a skeptical stance.

Pahlavi also called on European countries to provide more active support to the Iranian people in their demands for democracy. At the same time, he urged for a suspension of diplomatic exchanges with the Iranian government, criticizing the current negotiations for helping to sustain the theocratic regime.

Meanwhile, dpa reported that Pahlavi did not have any official meetings with senior German government officials during his stay in Germany.

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