Who Is Reza Pahlavi? Exiled Prince Behind Iran’s Latest Protests
AP
Protests across Iran sharply intensified on Thursday night after a public call by Reza Pahlavi, the country’s exiled crown prince, urging citizens to take to the streets. Massive crowds were reported in major cities including Tehran and Mashhad, with demonstrators chanting slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Republic. The escalation prompted authorities to impose a nationwide internet shutdown, further deepening the crisis.
The unrest follows weeks of economic distress and public anger, but observers say Pahlavi’s intervention significantly amplified the momentum of the protests.
Who Is Reza Pahlavi?
Reza Pahlavi is the son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, whose rule ended with the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Born on October 31, 1960, Reza was formally named crown prince in 1967 during his father’s coronation. The Pahlavi dynasty ruled Iran for more than five decades before being overthrown, forcing the royal family into exile.
Following early education inside the royal palace, Reza left Iran in 1978 to undergo jet fighter training with the US Air Force in Texas. Months later, the monarchy collapsed, making his return impossible. He later earned a degree in political science from the University of Southern California.
His Political Positioning
Reza Pahlavi has positioned himself as an advocate for a secular, democratic Iran, consistently calling for human rights, freedom, and an end to clerical rule. His official platform describes him as committed to democratic values rather than restoration of absolute monarchy. He has authored multiple books outlining his vision for Iran’s future and has remained a vocal critic of the current regime.
Despite this, his past support for Israel and Western alliances has drawn criticism from some quarters, even as others see him as a unifying opposition figure.
How His Call Sparked Protests
The turning point came when Pahlavi released a video message on X, urging Iranians to protest at 8 pm on Thursday and Friday. As the hour struck, chants echoed through neighbourhoods, with slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Pahlavi will return.” Witnesses reported thousands on the streets before communications were cut.
Pahlavi accused the regime of silencing citizens by shutting down internet and landlines, stating that Iranians were demanding freedom.
Impact and Uncertainty
While slogans in support of the former monarchy have surfaced, it remains unclear whether protesters are backing Pahlavi personally or expressing nostalgia for pre-1979 Iran. What is clear is that his call has reignited debate about leadership alternatives amid Iran’s deepening unrest.
Our Thoughts
Reza Pahlavi’s role highlights how symbols from Iran’s past continue to shape its present. Whether he emerges as a central political force or remains a catalyst from exile, his influence underscores the scale of dissatisfaction within Iran and the fragility of its current political equilibrium.