As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate rapidly, exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi steps into the global spotlight once again. Speaking from exile, he calls for a peaceful and democratic transition of power in Tehran. He urges Iran’s military, police, and security forces to break away from the clerical regime and join the people demanding change.
Understanding who Reza Pahlavi is and what his latest statements mean is crucial as Iran’s situation becomes increasingly volatile. Below is a detailed look at his background, political vision, and recent calls to action.
He Was Crown Prince Before the Revolution
Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran’s last Shah. He once stood as heir to a Western-aligned monarchy that ruled until the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In 1979, protests erupted against political repression, inequality, and the Shah’s close ties to the West. At age 17, Reza left for military school in the United States. Soon after, his father stepped down and went into exile.
He Advocates for Secular Democracy, Not Monarchy
Unlike some monarchist supporters, Pahlavi does not seek to restore the monarchy. Instead, he supports a secular, democratic system led by Iranians themselves. Inspired by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., he promotes civil disobedience and peaceful reform.
Over the years, he has become a symbol for many in the Iranian diaspora and some reform-minded citizens inside Iran. He consistently calls for a national referendum to let Iranians choose their future government.
He Builds Global Support for Iranian Protesters
From his base near Washington, D.C., Pahlavi travels widely. He meets world leaders, lawmakers, policy groups, and human rights organizations. His goal is to rally support for Iranians demanding change.
In recent years, he has attended major events like:
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The European Parliament in Strasbourg
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The Munich Security Conference
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Meetings in Israel, once Iran’s ally under his father’s rule
In 2023, he proposed the “Cyrus Accords,” a vision for normalized ties between a democratic Iran and Israel.
His Latest Message: “Khamenei Has Gone into Hiding”
Recently, Pahlavi posted on X (formerly Twitter) with bold claims about Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He accused Khamenei of hiding and losing control.
“Khamenei is a frightened rat who has gone into hiding,” Pahlavi wrote. He called the situation “irreversible.” He also described the Islamic Republic as weak and divided. He suggested the regime may collapse under pressure.
He Urges Iran’s Security Forces to Defect
As Israel increases military pressure, Pahlavi calls on Iran’s military, police, and security forces to abandon the regime. He says, “Break from the regime. Honour the oath of any honourable serviceman. Join the people.”
He added, “It could fall. As I have told my compatriots: Iran is yours and yours to reclaim. I am with you. Stay strong and we will win.”
Why His Words Matter Now
Pahlavi’s message arrives at a critical moment. Iran faces international sanctions, economic hardship, and social unrest. Israeli strikes on Iranian targets fuel fears of wider conflict. Inside Iran, speech and protest face harsh restrictions.
Though he holds no official role, Pahlavi remains a powerful voice for regime critics—especially among Iran’s youth and those seeking a non-Islamic future.
A Royal Legacy, Reimagined
The Pahlavi dynasty ruled Iran from 1925 to 1979. Reza’s grandfather, Reza Shah, modernized Iran but ruled with authoritarian power. His father, Mohammad Reza Shah, led Iran until the revolution.
Today, Reza Pahlavi says he does not want to reclaim the throne. Instead, he uses his name and legacy to push for a free Iran governed by its people, not by clerics.