Reza Pahlavi Responds to US-Israeli Attacks on Iran

Exiled Iranian crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, stated that the recent US and Israeli strikes in Iran were framed as “aid” and a form of “humanitarian intervention” by President Trump.

In response to the attacks, Pahlavi encouraged Iranians to reject the current regime and urged security forces to defect. He emphasized in a social media post, “The moment of destiny is before us. Even if this aid arrives, the final victory will still be forged by our hands. We, the Iranian people, will finish the job in this final battle. The time to return to the streets is near.”

According to Pahlavi, the Islamic Republic is on the verge of collapse. He clarified that the attacks were not aimed directly at Iran but rather at the ruling clerical structures. He urged the United States to be cautious and prioritize the protection of civilians.

“This humanitarian intervention is intended against the Islamic Republic and its oppressive apparatus, not against Iran or a major power,” he asserted. Furthermore, he sent a direct warning to Iran’s military and security forces, urging them to break away from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

Pahlavi advised them, “Your duty is to protect your people, not a regime that has held your homeland hostage through repression and crime. Join your people and facilitate a stable transition of power, or you will perish with Khamenei’s regime as it sinks.”

His message seems to mirror previous efforts by opposition groups seeking to sway Iran’s security forces, a strategic shift that could influence whether protests gain momentum or if the government tightens its grip.

While optimistic about imminent change, Pahlavi refrained from calling for immediate protests, instead urging the public to stay vigilant and await his signal for action to reclaim and rebuild Iran.

He also indicated a desire to maintain communication despite potential government restrictions on internet and satellite access, a tactic often used during unrest.

Pahlavi expressed gratitude to President Trump for his backing but reiterated the importance of minimizing civilian harm during the operation. “Take the utmost care to protect the lives of civilians and compatriots,” he reinforced.

Pahlavi, whose father was the last Shah of Iran, has been in exile since the 1979 revolution that led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic. In recent years, he has aimed to establish himself as a rallying figure for the opposition amidst widespread unrest and economic challenges, especially following the protests ignited by Mahsa Amini’s death in 2022.