For many years, Reza Pahlavi was the well mannered face of the Iranian opposition in exile – a former fighter pilot who spoke of nonviolent resistance and secular democracy from his dwelling in america.
However this weekend, the tone of the 65-year-old inheritor to the Peacock Throne and son of Iran’s final shah modified dramatically.
In a direct problem to the Iranian authorities, Pahlavi known as on Iranians to “seize metropolis centres” and put together for his imminent return, prompting what Iranian state media described as “armed terrorist assaults” throughout the nation.
“Our aim is now not merely to return into the streets,” Pahlavi declared in a statement launched on his X account. “The aim is to arrange to grab metropolis centres and maintain them.”
From inheritor to exile
Pahlavi was born in Tehran on October 31, 1960, seven years after the US and the UK engineered a coup towards Iran’s then-elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, who had nationalised the property of the Anglo-Persian oil firm, now often called BP, in 1951.
Pahlavi was formally named crown prince on the age of seven. His path appeared destined for the throne till the 1979 revolution upended the area.
At 17, he left Iran for fighter pilot coaching within the US at Reese Air Drive Base in Texas. Whereas he was away, the repressive monarchy collapsed, and the present political system was established, barring his return.
Pahlavi completed his coaching and later earned a level in political science from the College of Southern California. Through the Iran-Iraq Warfare within the Eighties, he famously volunteered to function a fighter pilot for his nation however was rejected by the authorities in Tehran.
He has lived in exile ever since, residing within the US together with his spouse, Yasmine Pahlavi, and their three daughters.
‘Getting ready to return’
For greater than 40 years, Pahlavi advocated for a referendum and nonviolent change. Nevertheless, his rhetoric has sharpened considerably in latest days.
On Saturday, he urged staff in key sectors — transport, oil, and fuel — to launch nationwide strikes to “minimize off the monetary lifelines” of the state. He particularly known as on the “youth of the Immortal Guard” — the erstwhile imperial forces — and safety forces to defect.
“I, too, am getting ready to return to the homeland in order that on the time of our nationwide revolution’s victory, I will be beside you,” he said.
His name to motion comes amid stories of the most important antigovernment protests in years. Pahlavi requested supporters to hoist the pre-1979 “Lion and Solar” flag, a logo of his father’s rule, and to occupy public areas ranging from 6pm native time (14:30 GMT).
‘Terrorist’ accusations
The response from Tehran has been livid. On Sunday, state-affiliated media shops labelled the protests as a “new part of insecurity” and an “inner armed struggle”.
A report by the conservative Vatan-e Emrooz newspaper, cited by the Tasnim information company, described Pahlavi’s name as cowl for “terrorist nuclei” to assault police and Basij forces.
“Don’t be mistaken; this isn’t merely a riot … these have been armed terrorist assaults,” the report said, claiming that dozens of safety personnel had been killed.
Officers have linked Pahlavi’s escalation to international interference, particularly accusing the US and Israel. They claimed the unrest is a “Plan B” by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the conclusion of the 12-day struggle between Israel and Iran in Could final 12 months.
‘Opposition towards the opposition’?
Whereas Pahlavi has discovered renewed reputation on the streets, he faces sharp criticism from inside the fractured Iranian opposition.
Alireza Nader, an Iran professional, argued in a latest article that Pahlavi’s political actions have turn into divisive. Critics accuse his circle of attacking different outstanding dissidents, akin to Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, labelling them “leftists” or “terrorists”.
“Pahlavi has doubled down on his advisors regardless of others’ unease about them,” Nader wrote, questioning whether or not the prince has turn into “the opposition towards the opposition”.
There are additionally considerations about manipulation. Nader famous that Pahlavi’s on-line assist is partly pushed by cyber-armies linked to the Iranian authorities, designed to sow discord, elevating questions on “who’s co-opting whom”.
Regardless of these inner rifts, Pahlavi stays essentially the most seen figurehead for the present wave of unrest. With the Trump administration sustaining a hands-off method — asserting it’s “as much as Iranians to decide on their very own leaders” — and the streets of Tehran burning, the exiled prince seems to be making his remaining gamble for the throne he misplaced 47 years in the past.
