Iranian media attacks exiled ex-crown prince for celebrating his birthday
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- Outlets drew a sharp division between life inside the country and exiled opposition leaders, labeling the event as "joy and dancing for him, grief and inflation for Iranians"
Iranian media outlets have circulated video footage of exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi celebrating his birthday, using the clip to accuse him of detachment from domestic realities inside Iran.
The circulating clip shows Pahlavi seated beside a decorated cake bearing a crown design, clapping and smiling as guests sing and dance around him.
Accompanying commentaries in Iranian media framed the celebration in contrast to the challenges faced by ordinary citizens inside the country. They highlighted ongoing hardships alongside mourning by families of those who died during past confrontations on Jan. 8 and 9, when nationwide anti-government demonstrations in Iran escalated into a peak political crisis and a state crackdown.
The media emphasized a recurring narrative across domestic media: "Bombing, death, poverty, inflation, and grief for Iranians; joy, celebration, dancing, and singing on his birthday for him," characterizing opposition figures living abroad as disconnected from the public.
