The son of Iran’s former shah has emerged as a key figure inspiring protesters in the recent significant anti-government demonstrations, advocating for change despite residing outside Iran since the late 1970s. Reza Pahlavi, often depicted negatively by Iranian state media, has utilized social media and Farsi news channels like Iran International to amplify his messages, encouraging protests and denouncing repression. In a recent CBS News interview, Pahlavi called on U.S. President Donald Trump to support Iranian protesters.
While Trump has expressed willingness to back Iranian demonstrators if they face violence from security forces, he has shown hesitance about meeting Pahlavi. Pahlavi clarified in the CBS interview that he responded to the people’s plea to represent their voices globally and facilitate a successful uprising, acknowledging the risks involved in such movements.
Advocating for a secular and democratic Iran, Pahlavi’s level of support within Iran, where he has not been present for years, remains uncertain. Some protesters have voiced support for him in videos circulating on social media, chanting slogans like “Long live the shah.” Others demand political reforms, criticizing the current regime and calling for economic improvements.
Pahlavi, who has been vocal during past periods of unrest, including the 2009 protests and the 2022 demonstrations following Mahsa Amini’s death, has proposed a constitutional monarchy as a potential solution with an elected ruler. Emphasizing the need for a peaceful transition to democracy, he has reiterated his commitment to the Iranian people’s choice.
Departing Iran before his father’s exile, Pahlavi’s early upbringing as the crown prince coincided with a period of discontent due to economic disparities and political repression under the shah’s rule. Despite offering to serve during the war with Iraq in the 1980s, Pahlavi’s military assistance was declined by the Iranian authorities.
From his exile, Pahlavi has continued to advocate for change, gaining support among Iranians abroad, including in the U.S. His visit to Israel in 2023 and his support for airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have not significantly swayed Western governments to endorse him. Pahlavi’s persistent calls for reform and transition to a democratic Iran underscore his ongoing commitment to effecting change in his home country.