Shah’s Son to Speak in Irvine

Saying they have an obligation to the city’s Iranian community, Irvine city officials have asked the son of the former shah of Iran to speak at a town hall forum in April.

City officials said they will tighten security during Reza Pahlavi’s visit, which they expect to draw as many as 20,000 people.

“He is a moderate voice of change and someone who really deserves to be heard,” Mayor Larry Agran said. “He is not the controversial figure his father was.”

The shah was deposed more than two decades ago as opposition to his monarchy grew. Whereas the shah was reputed to have used his secret police force to arrest and torture those who publicly opposed his rule, his son advocates democracy for his homeland.

It is estimated that Irvine has more than 15,000 residents of Iranian descent, and the city hosts an annual Iranian festival that routinely draws as many as 20,000 people. City officials expect at least that many to attend Pahlavi’s appearance, scheduled April 7 in the plaza in front of City Hall.

A frequent figure on the lecture circuit, Pahlavi spoke at UC Irvine last year. Though his appearance was orderly, a visit two years ago to Dana Point by the Iranian foreign minister--the highest-ranking Iranian official to tour the country since the overthrow of the shah--ended in a bottle-throwing protest.

In his talks and writing, Pahlavi urges opposing factions to work toward a free government in Iran.

“His mission is not about restoring monarchy,” said Cameron Beigi, a spokesman from Pahlavi’s office in Virginia. “It’s about restoring democracy so the Iranian people can choose freely the type of government they want.”

Some local Iranian Americans say Pahlavi’s message is important for all to hear. President Bush identified Iran as being part of an “axis of evil” during his State of the Union speech and anti-American sentiment has swelled in Iran.

“For me, personally, it’s going to be an educational experience to hear firsthand his views on the political situation in Iran,” said Arman Afsar, a Newport Beach resident.