Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince and son of Iran's last Shah, called on Iranians this weekend to seize city centers and prepare for his return, a challenge to the current Iranian government that has been described by state media as prompting armed terrorist attacks across the country. Pahlavi, 65, has for decades been a prominent voice of the Iranian opposition from exile in the United States, advocating for nonviolent resistance and secular democracy.
In a statement released on his X account, Pahlavi declared, "Our goal is no longer merely to come into the streets. The goal is to prepare to seize city centres and hold them." The call represents a significant shift in tone for Pahlavi, who has previously emphasized a more gradual and peaceful transition to a democratic government in Iran.
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, and has become a leading figure in the Iranian diaspora.
Pahlavi's recent call to action comes amid ongoing economic hardship and social unrest in Iran, fueled by international sanctions and domestic policies. While the extent of support for Pahlavi within Iran is difficult to ascertain, he maintains a following among some Iranians who long for a return to the monarchy or a secular government.
The Iranian government views Pahlavi as a figurehead of a bygone era and has consistently dismissed his calls for regime change. State media outlets have portrayed him as a tool of foreign powers seeking to destabilize Iran.
It remains to be seen what impact Pahlavi's call to action will have on the ground in Iran. The government maintains a tight grip on power, and any organized opposition faces significant challenges. However, the ongoing unrest and economic difficulties suggest that the potential for further instability remains. In April 2023, Pahlavi visited Israel, where he met with Israeli Minister Gila Gamliel at Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem.
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