The renowned French magazine Nouvel Observateur has published a comprehensive investigation by Marie Vaton exposing the hidden mechanisms of the “Shah-making factory.” The article highlights how the Shah’s son, who was a marginal figure with no political weight just three years ago, has been artificially elevated. This manufactured rise is the result of aggressive, multifaceted networks, some with close ties to the far-right.
The Return of the Shah’s Infamous Royal Secret Police to the Streets of Europe
Exclusionary Slogans in Paris Squares:
Every Sunday, monarchists gather at the Trocadéro in Paris, chanting exclusionary slogans. They prominently shout, “Death to the three corrupts: the Mullah, the Leftist, and the Mojahed,” clearly targeting the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran and progressive forces. These rallies are led by individuals with opaque funding, who suddenly pivoted from fashion and lifestyle to fiercely attacking anyone who opposes the Shah’s son.
Failure of the “Georgetown Committee”:
The magazine recalls the “Georgetown Committee” stunt in Washington in February 2023. There, the Shah’s son tried to exploit the blood of the Velayat-e Faqih regime’s victims to declare himself the leader of the uprising. However, this coalition quickly collapsed because he only wanted to subjugate everyone to serve himself. Sociologist Azadeh Kian confirmed to the magazine that the Shah’s son was previously a nobody, lacking any recognition inside Iran or internationally.
Troll Armies and Shady Funding:
Explaining this sudden rise, the publication reveals the role of cyber armies and anonymous financing. It points to a Haaretz investigation exposing an influence operation using thousands of fake accounts to support the monarchy’s return and create an illusion of popularity. Sources close to the Shah’s son admitted he lacks the funds for this “complex ecosystem,” revealing that his campaign relies on powerful lobbies offering lucrative salaries to recruit activists.
Media Whitewashing and Bribery:
The magazine notes the hiring of professional PR consultants to secure appearances for the Shah’s son on French magazine covers and TV screens. Shadow networks also attempt to recruit “young, attractive victims” of the mullahs’ regime as propaganda tools. Young journalist Nazila Maroofian revealed she received tempting offers of apartments and publishing contracts upon arriving in France, which she bravely refused.
Fascist Terror and Hit Lists:
Nouvel Observateur warns that these groups are transforming into a machine of terror and intimidation against democratic dissidents. Monarchist influencers have published “hit lists” targeting lawyers, activists, and even bookstore owners in Paris, threatening daily to burn down their properties. This toxic climate even reached Canada, where Massoud Masjoudi, a fierce opponent of both the Velayat-e Faqih regime and the monarchy, was assassinated in March by Iranian extremists.
Return of SAVAK and the Shah’s Guard:
The report concludes by highlighting the public demands of monarchists for the return of “SAVAK,” the notorious intelligence agency responsible for thousands of torture cases. It describes a chilling scene in London last April, where a hundred masked men in black marched under the banner of the “Immortal Guard.” The magazine raises a fundamental question: are these fascist militias simply seeking to replace the mullahs’ regime’s suppression apparatus with an equally bloody one?
