Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, expressed a message of hope and resolve to his fellow countrymen, urging them to reclaim their nation. In a recent statement, Pahlavi attributed the current turmoil to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accusing him of leading Iran into a conflict with Israel and labeling the Tehran government as “weak and divided.”
Pahlavi asserted that the regime could collapse, emphasizing, “Iran is yours and yours to reclaim. I am with you. Stay strong and we will win.” He called on military and security forces to break away from the current regime and to honor their commitment to the Iranian people.
He also sent a message to the international community, urging them not to support what he described as a “dying, terrorist regime.”
Although Pahlavi was once crown prince of a monarchy that fell during the 1979 revolution, he has indicated that he does not necessarily seek the return of the monarchy. Instead, he aims to leverage his status to advocate for a secular democracy in Iran.
Relations between Iran and Israel have drastically changed since the shah’s reign, as the Islamic republic is now seen by Israel as a significant threat. However, Pahlavi has maintained positive relations with Israel, a nation he visited recently, and has found support among the Iranian diaspora, particularly those who back the monarchy.
In recent protests, spurred by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, Pahlavi’s call for unity has resonated, especially among pro-monarchist groups advocating for change.
The sentiments expressed by Pahlavi reflect a growing desire among many Iranians for a more democratic and secular form of governance, showcasing a potential turning point in the ongoing struggle for rights and freedom in Iran.