Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, urged the international community on Friday to support Iranian protesters seeking to overthrow the country's government. Speaking at a news conference in Washington, D.C., Pahlavi called for targeted action against the leadership of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, arguing that such measures would "facilitate our task and prevent more loss of life."

Pahlavi, a U.S.-based opposition leader, expressed confidence that "the Islamic Republic will fall - not if, but when." He has emerged as a prominent figure within the fragmented Iranian opposition, advocating for an escalation of protests within Iran.

The demonstrations, which began on December 28 over economic grievances, have evolved into widespread calls for the end of the rule of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei. According to a human rights group, more than 2,500 protesters have been killed in the government crackdown. Iranian authorities have labeled the protests as "riots" instigated by the country's enemies.

The Iranian government has responded to the protests with deadly force, coupled with near-total shutdowns of internet and communication services. Pahlavi has previously called on Iranians to escalate their protests.

The current unrest follows a history of political tension and economic hardship in Iran. The Islamic Republic, established in 1979 after the overthrow of the Shah, has faced internal dissent and international sanctions. The exiled crown prince's appeal adds another layer to the ongoing domestic instability.