Darya Safai is among the Iranian figures active in European politics whose life journey began in Iran and eventually led her to the parliamentary stage in Europe. She studied dentistry in Iran and was known as a student activist during the politically turbulent decades of the country’s recent history. After facing political pressure and leaving Iran, she started a new life in Belgium—a path that began with migration and civic engagement and ultimately led to her election to the Belgian Federal Parliament (N-VA). Today, she serves as a representative of the people and in recent years has repeatedly spoken in European political forums about human rights, particulary women’s rights, and the situation in Iran.

When I first contacted her for this interview, I expected a significant portion of our conversation to focus on her personal life and political journey. Her response, however, was different. Darya Safai emphasised that under the current circumstances she preferred the interview to focus not on her personal story, but on Iran and its future. According to her, at a moment when regional political developments and negotiations between Iran and the United States are underway, what matters most is ensuring that the voices of the Iranian people and their concerns are heard.

This interview was conducted during that sensitive period—when discussions between Tehran and Washington were still ongoing and before new military developments began to unfold in the region. For this reason, many of her remarks focus not on her personal past, but on Iran’s future, the role of the Iranian diaspora, and the prospects for political change in the country.

 Given the recent developments in the region and the negotiations between Iran and the United States, how do you assess the current situation?

 « Everything depends on the next geopolitical and strategic steps in the region. These negotiations are harmful to millions of Iranians because, after the loss of tens of thousands of lives and days of mourning, the world is now preparing to negotiate with those whose hands are stained with blood and who have no legitimacy in Iran. They are simply trying to buy time, and the ideology that forms the foundation of this regime still remains intact. Negotiations conducted in such a strategically misguided way could endanger the future of the region and the world. Granting legitimacy to such a regime is unacceptable to the Iranian people. »

 Do you believe these negotiations are merely a tactic for the Islamic Republic to buy time, and do you think they will produce any results?

 « Yes, the Islamic Republic is buying time in order to preserve its position. Western governments sometimes act naively and believe that through such tactics they can control the regime. The reality is that the people of Iran have already shown their path, and these negotiations cannot stop the national revolution or the hope of the people. Iran will move toward freedom and democracy under the leadership of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, and the Iranian nation must be allowed to determine its own fate. »

 What are the next steps for the Iranian diaspora, and what is your role in supporting the Iranian people?

 « All of us Iranians must keep the media active and ensure that the blood that has been shed is not forgotten. Through cooperation among the diaspora, we managed to have the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps placed on terrorist lists, which sent a strong signal to the world. At the same time, we must build a united opposition led by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and fulfil our responsibilities in supporting the Iranian people and preparing the path toward freedom. Our current focus is the liberation of Iran, followed by rebuilding the country and preparing for a referendum to determine the future political system. »

 How does the Belgian government and parliament view the uprising of the Iranian people?

 « Belgium understands that its decisions alone are not decisive at the global level. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence have expressed their support for the protests of the Iranian people and for the leadership role of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during the transitional period. The Belgian government acknowledges the revolution but does not directly intervene in determining Iran’s future. Its role is more supportive and advisory. »

 What kind of practical support do you expect from Europe that would not be perceived as foreign interference?

 « The Iranian people must have the opportunity to determine their own destiny, and Europe should provide practical support—not merely verbal statements. This support could include ensuring the safety of protesters, paying attention to human rights violations, and applying diplomatic pressure to weaken the foundations of the regime. Europe may believe it cannot reshape the fate of the Middle East, but its support can still play an important role in the victory of the Iranian people. »

 Have any practical steps been taken toward recognising Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as a symbol of the Iranian people’s national will?

 « Yes, some steps have been taken and others are on the agenda. However, negotiations between the United States and the Islamic Republic have effectively halted everything and have led to lost opportunities for Western leaders to recognise or meet with the Crown Prince to be lost. Yet inside Iran, people have been chanting the Crown Prince’s name in the streets, which demonstrates genuine and widespread support among the population. »

 In a future democracy, how would the boundary between political freedom and threats against democracy be defined?

« Naturally, those with a history of violence and terrorism cannot participate in elections. The same applies to those who deny the equal rights of Iranians or reject the territorial integrity of Iran. Such positions would contradict the basic principles of the constitution. Everyone else would be free to establish parties and engage in political activity. Acceptance of Iran’s territorial unity and equal rights for all citizens must be fundamental principles. »

 What is the secret behind the resilience and endurance of the Iranian nation throughout history?

 « The resilience of Iran lies in its deeply rooted national identity and historical consciousness. This national awareness is the key to our survival and has brought us together around the Crown Prince. The Iranian nation has survived for thousands of years because courageous men and women have defended the country. A deep love for the homeland and continuous sacrifices—even in the face of foreign invaders and oppressive domestic regimes—have ensured that Iran endures. »

 Would you personally participate in the legislative process during a transitional period?

 « Yes. When Iran becomes free, we must all return and rebuild the country. Whatever responsibility is entrusted to me, I will dedicate myself fully to rebuilding Iran and serving the people. My participation would cover any role necessary, with the ultimate goal of reconstruction and freedom. »

 How can closer relations with the West be reconciled with Iran’s national interests?

 « In tomorrow’s Iran, when the national interests of Iran and the West align—which they inevitably will—we can build successful cooperation. Naturally, as an Iranians, Iran’s national interests will always come first for us. Our current position should therefore be seen as a platform for achieving our future goals. Partnership with the West does not contradict national interests; rather, it can strengthen Iran’s position in the future. »

 What is the most important structural mistake that must be avoided in the future Iran?

 « Any form of government chosen by the people—even if it differs from past ideologies—would be better than the current regime. The key lesson is that we must protect the country from threats that could undermine the victory of the revolution. The Iranian people seek the right to choose and a constitutional democracy, with a monarch as a symbol of national unity and elected institutions responsible for real decision-making. »

 How can Iranians ensure that a future monarch would have only symbolic and limited powers?

 « The personality of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi shows that he has no desire for dictatorship or for oppressing the people. As monarch, he would serve as a symbol of unity and national solidarity and represent the diversity of religious and ethnic communities in Iran. Most of people want a monarchy with limited powers within a constitutional democracy, and with such a system Iran could become a shining example in the region. »

 What role do media and digital space play in supporting the Iranian people’s revolution?

 « Media and social networks play a vital role. They can bring the voice of the Iranian people to the world and raise awareness about the injustices committed by the Islamic Republic. When people in the streets chant the name of the Crown Prince, the media ensure that this message travels beyond borders. Digital platforms also allow the diaspora to coordinate effectively with Western representatives and create political pressure without it appearing as direct interference. These tools are essential for protecting protesters and strengthening the legitimacy of Iran’s future leadership. »