The visit of the Iranian exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi to Sweden is marked by an elevated threat level and extensive security measures. At the same time, he is delivering a clear message to Swedish politicians: “Stand with the Iranian people!”

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, landed at Arlanda Airport on Sunday morning. He has been invited to Sweden by the Sweden Democrats and the Christian Democrats and is scheduled to speak before the Swedish Parliament on Monday.

Ahead of the visit, police have implemented extraordinary measures. According to reports, the threat level against Pahlavi is considered very high, prompting a large-scale security operation involving 140 uniformed and plainclothes officers.

– We have deployed the resources necessary, said police spokesperson Carina Skagerlind to Aftonbladet.

Pahlavi – the new Shah?

Pahlavi’s visit comes at a time when tensions in Iran remain high. Opposition voices in exile are playing an increasingly important role, and in recent years Pahlavi has positioned himself as a unifying figure for parts of the Iranian opposition.

Sweden is one of the European countries with the largest Iranian diaspora. An estimated 120,000 to 130,000 people in Sweden have Iranian background, and many of them view Pahlavi as a unifying figure and a potential future leader in a post-Islamist Iran.

For his supporters, he represents not only a break from clerical rule but also historical continuity—as the son of the last Shah, he is seen by some as the natural successor in a transition toward a more secular and democratic system.

Iranian regime active in Sweden

The visit also brings renewed attention to the presence of the Iranian regime in Sweden and across Europe. Security experts and authorities have repeatedly warned that Iran conducts intelligence operations in countries like Sweden, including surveillance of regime critics, influence operations, and threats against opposition figures in exile.

This contributes to the heightened threat environment surrounding the visit.

Reza Pahlavi is known as a strong critic of the Iranian regime, and during the large-scale protests in January he urged people to continue demonstrating:

– My heart aches for every innocent Iranian killed by this brutal regime. But let me be clear: responsibility for these deaths lies entirely with the regime that murdered them, Pahlavi said at the time.

Ahead of his current visit, he issued a direct appeal to Swedish decision-makers:

– I urge Sweden to stand with the Iranian people, expel the regime’s ambassador, and prepare to cooperate with a transitional government.

He also emphasized the need for increased international support for democratic forces in Iran while criticizing the West’s handling of the regime in Tehran.

Large demonstrations

In connection with the visit, police have authorized three demonstrations: two at Gustaf Adolfs Square and one in Kungsträdgården.

According to organizers, more than 12,000 people are expected to take part.

As of Sunday, police had not reported any serious incidents related to the visit but emphasized that the situation remains sensitive.