Sen. Gillibrand says Democrats must end Iran war, hold Trump accountable. But how?

The 2026 Friedrich Naumann Foundation’s Freedom Prize will be awarded to Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, marking the first time the German foundation has honored an entire nation. The foundation, known for its advocacy of democracy and liberal politics, chose to recognize the Iranian people for their struggle against the Islamic Republic, particularly following the devastating protests and ensuing crackdown in January.

Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, will accept the prize on November 7 in Frankfurt, Germany, with the ceremony held at the historic St. Paul’s Church. This decision comes as Pahlavi has been actively engaging with European leaders in Brussels and Germany, urging them to reconsider their approach to Iran. The foundation's board member, Prof. Ludwig Theodor Heuss, explained that the January protests and the subsequent crackdown, which led to an estimated 5,000 or more deaths, were pivotal in prompting the foundation to recognize the Iranian people's collective struggle.

Heuss emphasized that the events of January demonstrated the Iranian people's extraordinary sacrifices, including women, students, workers, and other demonstrators who faced severe consequences for their peaceful protests. The foundation's decision to award the prize to the Iranian people, rather than an individual, underscores the significance of the country's struggle for freedom, which has garnered international support and criticism of European governments for their continued diplomatic engagement with Tehran despite its human rights record.