Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called on the international community to support protesters aiming to overthrow Iran’s government, asserting that the Islamic Republic will inevitably fall. In a news conference in Washington, he outlined demands for surgical strikes against Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and other measures to aid the uprising.
The protests began on December 28 over economic grievances but rapidly evolved into calls for the end of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s rule. According to human rights groups, over 2,600 protesters have been killed, and thousands more arrested, amid a severe crackdown by authorities. The Iranian government has labeled the demonstrations as foreign-backed riots and imposed an internet blackout since January 8, hindering communication and verification.
Pahlavi urged world powers to target Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leadership and infrastructure with precision strikes, deliver economic pressure, expel Iranian diplomats, demand the release of political prisoners, and deploy satellite internet like Starlink to restore connectivity. He claimed that sections of Iran’s security forces have refused to participate in the repression, and foreign militias have been deployed to quell protests.
Internationally, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran against killing protesters, suggesting possible strong action, while the U.S. and U.K. have reduced personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar as a precaution. Iran’s parliament speaker has threatened retaliatory attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests if provoked, escalating regional tensions.
Pahlavi, a key figure in Iran’s fragmented opposition, vowed to return to Iran and proposed a new constitution based on principles such as territorial integrity, separation of religion and state, individual liberties, and democratic choice. He emphasized that future leadership should be decided by the Iranian people, while expressing his readiness to lead if supported.
The unrest traces back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew Pahlavi’s father, replacing the monarchy with a theocratic regime. Protesters’ chants, including ‘Death to the dictator,’ highlight deep-seated discontent with the clerical establishment, particularly Khamenei.
As the crisis deepens, the international community faces pressure to intervene, balancing diplomatic caution with humanitarian concerns. Pahlavi’s appeals underscore the high stakes, with the potential for significant geopolitical shifts depending on the outcome of Iran’s internal strife and the world’s response.
