Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran and son of the last Shah, called on Iranians this weekend to seize city centers and prepare for his return, a move that has been described by Iranian state media as prompting armed terrorist attacks across the country. Pahlavi, 65, has for decades been a prominent voice of the Iranian opposition from his home in the United States, advocating for nonviolent resistance and secular democracy.
Pahlavi's recent statement, released on his X account, marked a shift in tone. "Our goal is no longer merely to come into the streets," he stated. "The goal is to prepare to seize city centres and hold them." The call to action represents a direct challenge to the current Iranian government.
Born in Tehran on October 31, 1960, Pahlavi was heir to the Peacock Throne when his father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was overthrown in the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He has lived in exile since then, primarily in the United States, where he has become a leading figure in the Iranian diaspora.
Pahlavi's advocacy has often focused on promoting a secular, democratic Iran and he has met with various international leaders and organizations to garner support for his vision. In April 2023, he visited Israel, where he met with Israeli Minister Gila Gamliel at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum.
The Iranian government views Pahlavi and his supporters with suspicion, often portraying them as agents of foreign powers seeking to destabilize the country. State media has characterized the recent unrest following Pahlavi's call as "armed terrorist attacks," suggesting a coordinated effort to undermine the regime.
It remains to be seen what impact Pahlavi's call to action will have on the ground in Iran. The country has experienced periodic protests in recent years, driven by economic grievances and political discontent. However, the government has consistently suppressed dissent, and the risks of participating in such actions are high. The situation remains fluid, and the future of Iran is uncertain.
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