Iran’s former crown prince Reza Pahlavi addresses Swedish parliament

Iran’s exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi is speaking before Sweden’s parliament on Monday at the invitation of the Sweden Democrats (SD) and Christian Democrats (KD), SVT Nyheter reports. The public broadcaster is providing live coverage of the address, which has drawn both supporters and protesters to the capital.

Demonstrators gathered at Gustav Adolf Square ahead of Pahlavi’s visit, chanting slogans including “Javid Shah” (“Long live the king”). At least three major protests are planned during the event, with heightened security measures in place around the parliament building.

Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, has increasingly become a focal figure for opposition movements both inside and outside Iran. His visit to Sweden follows recent meetings with European lawmakers, where he has advocated for democratic change in Iran.

The Sweden Democrats and Christian Democrats, both part of the country’s centre-right opposition bloc, extended the invitation. Critics, including some government officials, have questioned the decision to host Pahlavi, arguing it risks politicising Sweden’s foreign policy stance on Iran.