Pahlavi to 'Post' ahead of Freedom Prize: 'Europe's leaders understand Iran's regime must go'

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi will accept the Friedrich Naumann Foundation's 2026 Freedom Prize on behalf of the Iranian people in Frankfurt on Saturday. The award recognizes the Iranian people's struggle against the Islamic Republic, particularly after the January 2026 crackdown. Pahlavi told The Jerusalem Post that European leaders increasingly understand the regime must go.

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi will accept the Friedrich Naumann Foundation's 2026 Freedom Prize on behalf of the Iranian people in Frankfurt on Saturday, November 7. The award, the first in the foundation's history to be given to an entire nation, honors the Iranian people's struggle against the Islamic Republic, particularly after the January 2026 crackdown on protests. Pahlavi told The Jerusalem Post that his meetings with European leaders show a growing understanding that 'this regime must go.' Prof. Ludwig Theodor Heuss, a foundation board member, said the decision was driven by the 'extraordinary sacrifices' of ordinary Iranians, citing estimates of over 5,000 killed in the January crackdown, with some groups claiming up to 50,000. Heuss emphasized that Pahlavi receives the prize as a trustee, not personally, until a democratically elected Iranian government can claim it. The article notes some criticism of Pahlavi's selection, as Iran's opposition includes monarchists, republicans, and other movements.