Exiled Crown Prince of Iran urges escalate protests, claiming regime's vulnerability
Photo: Crown Prince of Iran Reza Pahlavi (facebook.com/pahlavireza)
Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, has addressed Iranians with a call to intensify street protests and begin nationwide strikes. He said that such actions could paralyze the regime and lead to its downfall, according to his post on X.
Reza Pahlavi, who lives in the United States, released a video address to Iranians amid a new wave of protests in the country. He urged citizens not only to take part in demonstrations but also to take control of key parts of cities.
"Your renewed and magnificent presence in the streets across Iran on Friday evening was a resounding response to the threats of the treacherous and criminal leader of the Islamic Republic," Pahlavi said, adding that the leader "has seen these images from his hiding place and trembled in fear."
According to the Prince, the protests must become more coordinated and aimed at undermining the regime's financial foundations.
"By making our street presence more targeted, and by cutting off the financial lifelines, we will completely bring the Islamic Republic to its knees," he stressed.
In addition, Pahlavi addressed workers in key sectors of the economy.
"I invite workers and employees in transportation, oil, gas, and energy to begin the nationwide strike," the Iranian prince added.
He also urged Iranians to take to the streets on January 10–11, carrying national symbols, and not to limit themselves to short marches.
"Our goal is no longer merely to come to the streets; the goal is to prepare for seizing the centers of cities and holding them," Pahlavi stressed.
He issued a separate appeal to the military and security forces, who, he said, support the protest movement.
"Slow down and disrupt the repression machine even more so that on the appointed day, we can completely disable it," the prince said.
In conclusion, Pahlavi declared his readiness to return to Iran.
"I am preparing to return to the homeland so that at the time of our national revolution's victory, I can be beside you. I believe that day is very near," he stated.
Prince in exile
Reza Pahlavi is the son of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since then, the country has been ruled by a theocratic regime, while the Pahlavi family has lived in exile.
In recent months, Iran has been hit by new waves of protests driven by an economic crisis, political repression, and growing public dissatisfaction with the authorities.
Pahlavi has been actively using social media and international media outlets to turn spontaneous demonstrations into a coordinated nationwide movement against the regime.
Protests in Iran
Iran is experiencing its largest protests since 2022, triggered by a sharp decline in the national currency and a deepening economic crisis. Against the backdrop of the rapid collapse of the rial, record inflation, and rising social anger, thousands of people have taken to the streets despite harsh repression by the authorities.
The protests have continued for several days in a row, despite threats by security forces to use force. According to available data, more than 50 people have been killed, including children.
Meanwhile, an internal rift emerges within Iran's military and security elite over how to further suppress the protests spreading across the country. This points to rising tensions not only on the streets but also within the regime.
