Reza Pahlavi Calls for Iranian Uprising Against the Islamic Regime
The exiled heir to the Pahlavi throne urges Iranian citizens to overthrow their government amid claims of its impending collapse.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, held a press conference in Paris on Monday, declaring that the Islamic regime is on the brink of collapse and calling for its overthrow.
Positioning himself as the legitimate heir to the throne, Pahlavi urged Iranians to rise against the Ayatollahs and to establish a democratic Iran without seeking political power for himself.
During the press conference, Pahlavi asserted, "This is a historic moment for our nation.
The regime is crumbling, and the families of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials are preparing to flee.
The world must not grant them any lifelines."
Pahlavi's comments come amid ongoing unrest in Iran, with reports indicating that military and security forces are facing internal challenges.
He conveyed messages of solidarity from various demographics in Iran, emphasizing the commitment to freedom and the sacrifices made by many Iranians in their pursuit of liberty.
He highlighted the dire economic situation under the current regime, which he blamed for the degradation of infrastructure and national wealth due to nuclear weapons development.
He framed the current struggle as Iran's own 'Berlin Wall moment', calling for unity among the Iranian people against the regime.
Pahlavi warned that if the current regime were to survive, it would likely retaliate and continue its quest for nuclear capabilities.
He stated, "As long as the regime exists, no country will be safe."
The demand for a peaceful transfer of power has been central to his message, emphasizing the importance of international support for a democratic transition in Iran.
He stressed the need for greater collaboration among those opposed to the current government and called on members of security forces to join the movement towards a free Iran.
Amidst the deteriorating situation, Pahlavi urged Western nations to avoid repeating past mistakes, highlighting that diplomatic concessions might only empower the authoritarian regime.
He reiterated that a transition to a secular government is the key to achieving lasting peace.
Historically, Reza Pahlavi has spent decades advocating for the overthrow of the Islamic Republic, following the fall of his father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in 1979.
He has been vocal about the need for a new political order that reflects the will of the Iranian people, distancing himself from his father's autocratic legacy.
The press conference marks a significant moment in ongoing discussions about Iran’s future, especially as protests and calls for change continue to resonate within the country.