The exiled son of Iran’s last monarch has called on the international community to support protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s ruling system, declaring that the collapse of the Islamic Republic is inevitable.
Reza Pahlavi, a US-based opposition leader, urged world powers to increase pressure on Iran’s security leadership, arguing that decisive international action could reduce further loss of life amid ongoing unrest. “The Islamic Republic will fall, not if, but when,” he said.
Pahlavi called for targeted measures against Iran’s Revolutionary Guards leadership and command structure, saying such steps would weaken the authorities’ ability to suppress demonstrations. He also urged governments to impose economic pressure, expel Iranian diplomats, demand the release of political prisoners and help restore internet access through secure satellite-based communication services.
Iran has been gripped by widespread protests since late December, initially sparked by economic grievances before expanding into calls for the removal of Ali Khamenei. Human rights organisations report that more than 2,500 protesters have been killed since the unrest began, while tens of thousands have been arrested. Iranian authorities have dismissed the demonstrations as riots backed by foreign adversaries.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington, Pahlavi claimed that sections of Iran’s security apparatus had refused to participate in the crackdown and alleged that foreign militia fighters had been deployed to quell the protests. He declined to comment on reports of contacts with senior US officials but expressed confidence that Washington would ultimately support the Iranian people.
The unrest has heightened regional tensions, with Iranian officials warning that any external military action would trigger retaliation against foreign interests. The United States and the United Kingdom have reduced personnel at some regional military facilities as a precautionary measure.
Pahlavi said he intends to return to Iran and supports the drafting of a new constitution based on territorial integrity, separation of religion and state, individual freedoms and democratic choice. Asked about future leadership, he said the decision should rest solely with the Iranian people.
Iran has been governed by a clerical system since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the monarchy led by Pahlavi’s father. The current wave of protests reflects mounting public anger over economic hardship, political repression and restrictions on civil liberties. International media access to Iran remains severely restricted, making independent verification of developments difficult.
Originally published by BBC.
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