Belgium’s foreign minister says Iranians alone should decide their leadership, while defending diplomatic ties and the parliament’s decision on Pahlavi

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said the decision on Iran’s leadership rests solely with the Iranian people, rejecting calls for Belgium to recognize Reza Pahlavi as their legitimate representative. He said Iran’s opposition and diaspora include diverse voices and that engagement should reflect that plurality.

Prevot said the decision not to host Pahlavi in the Belgian parliament was made by the House itself, which failed to reach consensus, and was not his direct intervention. He had previously suggested broadening invitations to include other opposition factions. The House had dropped plans to officially host Pahlavi on November 5 after disagreements among parliamentarians.

Prevot also defended maintaining diplomatic ties with Tehran, rejecting a Reform Movement proposal to expel Iran’s ambassador. He said keeping communication channels open is essential for delivering firm messages and monitoring developments, and that dialogue is compatible with sanctions. Belgium remains prepared to consider further restrictive measures, while continuing to condemn violations of human rights and women’s rights and supporting the Iranian public’s calls for democracy.