Germany news: Frankfurt braces for Iran protests

Frankfurt, Germany prepared for a day of protests and potential traffic disruption on Saturday, November 7, 2026. This was because of the scheduled arrival of Iranian opposition politician Reza Pahlavi, who was set to receive a peace prize from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. The foundation is associated with the neoliberal Free Democrats (FDP) party.

Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, had been expected to attend a demonstration in the Ostpark, a park in Frankfurt, and possibly speak at the event. Barriers, loudspeaker towers, and a stage had already been set up in the park, marking the end point of a march by demonstrators.

However, Pahlavi's presence was met with criticism from various Iranian organizations, individuals held under his father's rule during Iran's autocratic regime, and several leftist German parties. Former German UN Ambassador Joachim Rücker and former Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries had also signed a protest letter against the honor given to Pahlavi.

The last time Pahlavi visited Germany was in April, when he accused European countries, including Germany, of remaining silent while the Iranian clerical regime violently suppressed protesters. Frankfurt had experienced protests a week prior, which were peaceful demonstrations calling for improved living conditions and education that turned violent later on due to looting and vandalism.