“Iran’s Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has spent the past few weeks touring Europe, meeting lawmakers and parliamentarians in Sweden and Italy before arriving in Germany last week.”

“During a press engagement in Berlin, Pahlavi was asked by German journalist Tilo Jung whether he was an “agent of Israel,” referencing his links to pro-Israel groups (Pahlavi’s trip was coordinated with the help of the Europe-Israel Press Association and the European Jewish Association) and broader geopolitical dynamics - Pahlavi has often stated that a free Iran should have peace with Israel and bring about a prosperous Middle East, rather than one rooted in war.”

“Pahlavi rejected the premise directly. He stated that he did not act on behalf of any foreign government, but rather as a representative voice for Iranians seeking change.”

“At the same time, he did not shy away from expressing historical and cultural affinity between Iranians and Jews, retelling the story of Cyrus the Great and Iran’s long-standing tradition of offering refuge and religious freedom, including to Jews fleeing persecution.”

“After addressing the “Mossad” question at the press conference and turning to the future of Iran, Pahlavi showcased the many European democracies operating under different constitutional systems and argued that democracy is defined by citizens' ability to choose their own system of governance.”

“He was taken into custody, and investigations were opened on suspicion of bodily harm, property damage, and insult against persons in political life.”