Iran Protests: Who is Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, Son of Last Shah?
Tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in cities like Tehran, responding to a call from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to protest the religious clerical leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. This surge in demonstrations comes amid a nationwide internet and phone service blackout, fueling a new wave of dissent that has evolved from economic grievances to challenges against the ruling authorities.
Escalating Unrest Amid Economic Crisis
The protests, spanning over 90 cities, stem from growing frustration over:
– Soaring inflation
– Rising job losses
– A deepening economic crisis
This unrest has already claimed at least 42 lives, with thousands more detained as security forces responded with increasing force.
Pahlavi’s Call to Action
On Thursday evening, demonstrators rallied in defiance, chanting slogans against the clerical regime and Ayatollah Khamenei. As the government imposed a communications blackout, Pahlavi urged Iranians to:
“Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands,” expressing solidarity and encouragement for grassroots activism.
Who is Reza Pahlavi?
Born on October 31, 1960, in Tehran, Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Iran’s last monarch, and Empress Farah. His family ruled until the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which forced them into exile. Named crown prince at an early age, he left Iran in 1978, just months before the establishment of a theocratic regime under Khomeini.
Pahlavi has since lived primarily abroad, evolving into a staunch critic of the Islamic Republic, advocating for:
– Secular reforms
– A rejection of the current regime among Iranians, including security forces
From Economic Anger to Political Challenge
What began as a response to economic hardships has transformed into a political movement, with some protesters calling for the monarchy’s restoration—an echo of the Pahlavi era. Many view Pahlavi as a symbolic figurehead around whom discontent could coalesce, especially as frustrations mount not only over the economy but also against the clerical establishment’s dominance.
The Test of Influence for Reza Pahlavi
This wave of unrest poses a critical question: Can Pahlavi’s influence extend to the average Iranian, most of whom have known only the Islamic Republic? While chants for the Shah proliferate, analysts emphasize that the protests remain largely decentralized and not yet aligned with any singular leader.
International reactions are beginning to emerge, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing support for the Iranian protesters and condemning violence against them. As demonstrations enter their second week, the resilience of the protesters and the government’s capacity for tolerance will be crucial factors, alongside the potential influence of figures like Pahlavi during this pivotal moment in Iran’s history.