Iran’s late Shah’s son, Reza Pahlavi, has urged President Donald Trump to support regime change in Iran as part of a broader movement among Iranians seeking a democratic future. Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince, argues that the Islamic Republic has become a dangerous regime that thrives on chaos and destruction. He claims there is a growing resistance within Iran, with a broad coalition of Iranians working to create a democratic transition. Pahlavi asserts that the United States can play a key role in this effort, offering to partner with the president to bring about a peaceful and stable Iran.
Pahlavi, born in Tehran in 1960, was named crown prince during his father’s coronation in 1967. He fled Iran in 1978 after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ended the monarchy and replaced it with an Islamic theocratic regime. In an exclusive interview, Pahlavi discussed his message to Trump and the American people, asking the president to support the Iranian people in ending the regime. He describes the Islamic Republic as a regime that causes chaos and destruction, and the only way to achieve peace is to replace it with a democratic government. Pahlavi says he is ready to be Trump’s partner in this mission, working to dismantle the regime and build a new, stable government for Iran.
Pahlavi has also highlighted the role of the Iranian military in this potential transition, suggesting that there are signs of growing discontent within the armed forces. He has spoken with former and current members of the armed forces, many of whom are disillusioned with the regime. The prince claims that he has launched a formal channel for these communications, aiming to increase the number of military defectors and support for the democratic transition. Pahlavi’s message to the military is clear: history is being written now, and those who choose to stand with the people of Iran instead of the regime will be remembered for their choice.
Despite his calls for regime change, Pahlavi has faced criticism from Iranian dissident leader Maryam Rajavi. Rajavi has accused Pahlavi of seeking to restore the monarchy and lacking broad support among Iranians. Pahlavi counters these claims by labeling Rajavi’s movement as a radical cult that fuses Marxist and Islamist ideologies. He argues that he is focused on leading the movement for change and that Iranians will choose their future form of government through free and fair elections. Pahlavi’s mandate is based on the trust of his compatriots, whom he claims chant his name because of his willingness to serve their interests rather than his own.
As the situation in Iran continues to unfold with ongoing tensions and military conflict, Pahlavi’s call for U.S. support in regime change highlights the complex political landscape and the potential for significant changes in the region. His message to Trump underscores the potential for a dramatic shift in Iran’s political future, with the possibility of a democratic government emerging from the current chaos. The prince’s vision for Iran’s future is one of stability, freedom, and alignment with regional and American interests, offering a compelling narrative of the possibilities that lie ahead.