Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi was targeted in a street attack in Berlin on Thursday, after an unknown assailant threw a red liquid over him following a press conference.
Video footage circulating online shows a man approaching Pahlavi from behind as he left the venue before pouring the substance over him at close range. Security personnel moved in within seconds, tackling the suspect to the ground while escorting Pahlavi away.
The 64-year-old, son of Iran’s last shah, was not injured. Police confirmed the suspect was arrested at the scene and is now being questioned over his identity and motive, which remain unclear.
It is still not known what substance was used. Members of Pahlavi’s team suggested it may have been tomato-based, although early reports described it as a paint-style attack.
Supporters gathered at the scene were seen cheering and waving Iranian flags associated with the pre-1979 monarchy after the incident, as Pahlavi briefly reappeared to acknowledge the crowd.
The attack comes amid growing concern over politically motivated violence in Germany. Official figures show a sharp imbalance, with left-wing offenders responsible for more than three times as many attacks on political opponents as right-wing perpetrators in 2025—606 cases compared to 182.
Berlin in particular has seen a surge in such incidents, including arson attacks and sabotage targeting infrastructure, often linked by authorities to organised left-wing extremist networks.
During his Berlin appearance, Pahlavi criticised the German government for refusing to engage with him, calling it “a disgrace” and arguing that democratic states should speak to figures representing political change in Iran.
German officials have so far kept their distance. The government has maintained that Pahlavi is visiting in a private capacity, while senior figures have pointed to the legacy of the pre-1979 monarchy as a reason for avoiding formal contact.
