Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi is intensifying his calls for regime change in Iran, declaring that the current governmental structure is “near collapse.” In a recent post on social media platform X, he urged Iranians to rise up against their oppressive regime and issued a stark warning to military personnel. Pahlavi emphasized that this is their “final chance” to align themselves with the populace instead of obeying orders to suppress them. He stated, “To the military—as you’re given orders to lash out at the people—stand down. This is your final chance. You are being watched. We will remember who stood with the people and who committed crimes against them.”
During a news conference held in Paris, Pahlavi announced the establishment of a secure communication platform aimed at military, police, and security personnel who wish to defect from the Iranian regime. He indicated that there has already been a flow of messages from individuals looking to break ties with the current government and join his movement. This platform aims to effectively handle the increasing requests for assistance from defectors, reflecting a potential shift in allegiance among those serving the regime. In a clear message to the international community, Pahlavi urged them not to support the “corrupt, crumbling, terrorist regime” in Iran, cautioning that failure to act could have global repercussions.
Pahlavi’s calls to action come in the aftermath of recent military strikes that targeted Tehran’s nuclear program, destabilizing the leadership and raising uncertainties around Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s power. Pahlavi likened this turning point to the fall of the Berlin Wall, asserting it could be a pivotal moment where the Iranian people reclaim their agency. In a declaration on X, he positioned himself as a leader willing to guide Iranians toward democracy and peace, expressing his intent to facilitate a transition instead of pursuing political power for himself.
In a direct appeal to Khamenei, Pahlavi urged the Supreme Leader to resign, promising a fair trial as a form of due process, an assurance he argues has historically been denied to the Iranian people. Pahlavi invoked the legacy of his late father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, who was deposed during the 1979 revolution. This historical context enriches Pahlavi’s campaign, presenting him as a figure of continuity and potential change for a nation yearning for freedom.
In February, Pahlavi spoke at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, calling for global awareness and action against Khamenei’s regime. He conveyed a sense of urgency, stating that Iranians are ready to reclaim what he described as their “stolen country” and highlighted the need for a united front against oppression. His rhetoric seeks to inspire hope for a future where democracy prevails and human rights are respected.
As Iran faces significant internal and external pressures, Pahlavi’s initiatives may resonate with both Iranians and the international community. His aspirations for a democratic transition draw attention to the struggles faced by many within the country, as well as the global implications of continued regime instability. Whether Pahlavi can rally support and effect meaningful change remains to be seen, but his recent actions signify a determined effort to influence both the sentiment within Iran and the international dialogue surrounding the regime’s fate.
