Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, made headlines recently as he attended a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17, 2025. The 65-year-old prince, who was just 16 when the 1979 revolution ended his father’s four-decade reign, may be witnessing a resurgence in interest surrounding the former Iranian monarchy.
The latest wave of protests across Iran, ignited on Thursday night, has seen demonstrators rallying under chants of “This is the last battle. Pahlavi will return!” and “Javid Shah, long live the king!” The unrest began in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, driven initially by economic discontent but quickly evolving into an anti-regime movement. Pahlavi, who resides in the United States, has been positioning himself as a potential leader of the opposition, capturing the attention of many disillusioned citizens.
The topic of monarchy is typically a contentious one in Iran, where public support for the deposed royal family has often been met with severe repercussions. Nonetheless, recent events suggest a notable shift in sentiments, as protesters echo nostalgia for the Pahlavi era, questioning whether their support is genuine or simply a response to the current regime’s oppressive policies.
Analysts have noted that Pahlavi’s stature within Iranian opposition circles has grown, with Arash Azizi, a scholar, commenting that he now stands as a significant figure in the movement. However, he faces challenges: some view him as a polarizing figure rather than a unifier, casting doubts on his potential to rally diverse factions against the ruling theocracy.
While Pahlavi has expressed his readiness to lead Iran through a transition if the regime is overthrown, he has provided few specifics regarding his vision for the nation. Critics point to his relative inexperience as a hurdle that could hinder his prospects in a rapidly changing political landscape.
As events unfold, the future remains uncertain for both Pahlavi and the Iranian people yearning for change. The revitalization of interest in the former monarchy may reflect deeper frustrations with the current system, raising questions about the possible paths Iran could take in the years to come.