On March 13, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Reza Pahlavi, an exiled Iranian opposition figure, in Paris. Their meeting centered on the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly in light of the recent U.S.-Iran hostilities that have intensified since joint Israeli-U.S. airstrikes against Iran commenced on February 28. During this meeting, Zelensky expressed concerns about the suffering of the Iranian people under their current regime and emphasized the need for international support to protect their rights and future.

Zelensky's remarks highlighted the significant losses suffered by the Iranian regime, reflecting a broader context where Iranian state media confirmed the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei due to these strikes. Following this power shift, Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed by the Iranian Assembly of Experts as the next supreme leader, indicating an ongoing evolution of leadership within Iran amidst a backdrop of conflict and political instability.

This meeting also allowed Pahlavi to provide insights regarding the internal dynamics and resistance signals from within Iran, shaping a narrative of hope among exiled figures like himself. Their conversation underscores Ukraine's strategic interest in Middle Eastern developments, especially in terms of international alliances and regional security, showing a commitment to advocating for the rights and self-determination of oppressed peoples globally.