Iranian Crown Prince Compares Tehran Regime to Nazis at Auschwitz

Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi visited Auschwitz on Wednesday, drawing a stark parallel between the Nazi regime's genocide and the current Iranian government's actions. Speaking with the Italian newspaper "Libero," Pahlavi stated, "The regime continues what Hitler started," asserting that Tehran's leadership propagates the same antisemitic propaganda used by the Nazis, portraying Jews as criminals and vermin. He noted that the persecution witnessed in Jerusalem's Yad Vashem museum is being replicated in Tehran today.

Pahlavi, who was accompanied by a delegation from the European Jewish Association, emphasized a shared destiny between Jews and Iranians, referencing his father, Shah Mohammad Pahlavi's, visit to Auschwitz in 1966 and his grandfather's efforts to save 6,200 Jewish children by issuing them Iranian passports. He sees himself as continuing this legacy, warning that history tragically repeats itself if totalitarianism is not actively fought.

He urged Western leaders to recognize the severe threat posed by the Iranian regime, highlighting its danger to Israel and Europe due to its alliance with Russia in the Ukraine conflict and its support for proxy groups like Hamas, Houthis, Hezbollah, and Iraqi Shiite militias. Pahlavi argued that regime change in Iran is the only solution to regional instability, criticizing appeasement policies and calling for practical measures against Tehran, such as closing its embassies and cutting off its funding.

Pahlavi called on the free world to stand with the Iranian people fighting for liberty and cease succumbing to the regime's blackmail. While not explicitly commenting on the conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran, he expressed hope for greater Israeli and American involvement in his country's future, likening the current Iranian regime to the Soviet Union and calling for its overthrow to prevent another Holocaust. He envisions a post-regime Iran focused on democracy, equality, and the separation of religion and politics, stating his role is to facilitate a broad coalition rather than seek a personal position.