Exiled Iranian prince Pahlavi reaches out to Trump
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has urged the United States and Israel not to target the country's civilian infrastructure in potential strikes, focusing instead on the repressive apparatus of the current regime.
Call to protect infrastructure
The son of Iran's last shah emphasized that the country's essential facilities belong to the people and should not become targets.
He urged allies to act selectively to preserve resources for the nation's future reconstruction.
"I ask President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to continue targeting the regime and its apparatus of repression, while sparing the civilian infrastructure Iranians will need to rebuild our country," Prince Pahlavi said.
According to him, the current Islamic Republic's infrastructure is "the machinery of repression" that hinders a free future for Iran.
Trump's threats
The statement came after the US president's ultimatum, which threatened to destroy Iranian power plants if Tehran did not allow free passage through the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
Pahlavi, in turn, expressed confidence that the end of the current regime is near.
"With the support of the US and Israel, and above all the sacrifice of Iranian patriots, the hour of Iran's freedom is at hand," the crown prince concluded.
Iran's response to Trump's threats
Tehran reacted to US statements about potential strikes on Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened within 48 hours by issuing even harsher threats.
Later, official statements clarified Iran's position, saying the Strait remains open for international shipping, but only for vessels not associated with countries officially designated by Iran as enemies.
