Hope🇮🇷

I had the pleasure of welcoming Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to the European Parliament (together with @SebastianMEP) for a meeting with Members of the ECR Group. I was pleased to see the interest his return drew among colleagues. For many Iranians, the Crown Prince represents hope that their country can finally turn a page. I respect his determination to bring Iranians together around a future in which they can live freely and build their lives at home. The Islamic Republic has already taken far too much from generations of Iranians. Europe should stop assuming that the country must remain in the hands of its present rulers. Europe’s own security is also at stake. The regime’s threats against dissidents on our soil demand a firm response. Alongside confronting those threats, European governments should engage seriously with those working for a free Iran. That engagement should include both political support for the democratic opposition and practical help for Iranians to overcome the regime’s information blockade and access a free internet. Iran has an extraordinary history and enormous potential. A free Iran would offer its people new opportunities and Europe the prospect of a partner with whom we could trade and cooperate in peace. That is why I invited the Crown Prince. I want Europe to be ready for that future and willing to help bring it closer. Today’s meetings gave me greater confidence that more colleagues share that ambition. It is time to free Iran from the yoke of political Islam.