The son of the former shah of Iran has emerged as a leading figure encouraging protesters participating in significant anti-government demonstrations, despite residing outside Iran since the late 1970s. Reza Pahlavi, often depicted negatively by Iranian state media, has utilized social media and Farsi news channels like Iran International to amplify his support for protests. He has consistently commended Iranians advocating for change and called for an end to oppression.
In a recent CBS News interview, Pahlavi urged U.S. President Donald Trump to assist Iranian protesters, emphasizing the President’s imminent decision-making role. Trump has expressed willingness to back Iranians facing security force actions. However, he has expressed uncertainty about the appropriateness of meeting Pahlavi.
Pahlavi clarified in the CBS interview that he responded to the people’s plea for assistance in amplifying their voices globally and supporting their uprising for success. Despite acknowledging the potential casualties in the conflict, he emphasized the people’s desire for change.
Advocating for a ‘secular, democratic’ Iran, Pahlavi’s level of support within Iran, where he has not visited for years, remains uncertain. Some protesters have expressed backing for him in circulated videos, chanting pro-monarchy slogans. Many demonstrators call for broad political reform, denouncing the current regime and demanding economic recovery.
Pahlavi, who has actively called for change during periods of unrest, has proposed the idea of a constitutional monarchy with an elected ruler. He emphasized the necessity of a secular, democratic Iran while offering himself to lead the transition, emphasizing the people’s choice in determining the country’s future leadership.
Born in 1960, Pahlavi was declared crown prince in 1967. He left Iran in 1978 for flight school in the U.S., followed by his father’s exile a year later. Assuming the role of shah in 1980, he has advocated for change from exile, gathering support among Iranians abroad.
While garnering support in the diaspora, Pahlavi has faced challenges in winning backing from Western governments. He supported Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling for further action to aid the Iranian populace. Despite his efforts, he has not gained significant support from Western nations critical of the Islamic Republic.
