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Pahlavi calls for international support to end Iran's government
Reza Pahlavi, the U.S.-based son of Iran's last monarch, has appealed to the world to help Iranian protesters overthrow the Islamic Republic, asserting the regime's collapse is inevitable. Speaking in Washington, he urged targeted measures against Iran's Revolutionary Guard to prevent further bloodshed.
Protests and crackdown
Demonstrations erupted on December 28 over economic grievances but swiftly escalated into calls for the removal of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Human rights monitors report at least 2,677 protesters killed, with 19,000 detained. Authorities have labeled the unrest as foreign-backed "riots" and enforced a near-total internet blackout since January 8.
Pahlavi claimed elements of Iran's security forces refused to participate in the crackdown, forcing authorities to deploy foreign militias. Residents in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Sanandaj told the BBC on Friday that protests had halted, though security forces remained visible in public spaces.
Demands for global intervention
Pahlavi called for "surgical strikes" against the Revolutionary Guard's command structure and economic sanctions, alongside the expulsion of Iranian diplomats and the release of political prisoners. He also urged the deployment of satellite internet services like Starlink to restore connectivity in Iran.
"The Iranian people are taking decisive action on the ground. It is now time for the international community to join them fully."
Reza Pahlavi
He emphasized that the regime's fall is certain, but international support could accelerate the process and save lives.
U.S. stance and regional tensions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran against killing protesters, threatening "very strong action" if executions occurred. He later claimed he had been informed the killings had stopped but did not rule out military measures. Iran's parliament speaker responded that any U.S. attack would make Israel and regional U.S. military assets legitimate targets.
The U.S. and UK have reduced personnel at Qatar's Al-Udeid airbase as a "precautionary measure," CBS News reported.
Pahlavi's vision for Iran's future
Pahlavi pledged to return to Iran and outlined a plan for a new constitution based on secular governance, individual freedoms, and democratic self-determination. While asserting his readiness to lead, he deferred to the Iranian people's choice, stating, "It's for them to decide."
His father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was deposed in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which established the current clerical regime. The ongoing protests have featured slogans like "Death to the dictator" and "Seyyed Ali [Khamenei] will be toppled this year."
