Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has urged the international community to step up support for protesters seeking to end clerical rule in Iran.
Speaking from the United States, he described the current unrest as a turning point and said the fall of the Islamic Republic is no longer a question of “if,” but “when.”
Pahlavi, a prominent opposition leader, called on countries around the world to directly challenge Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leadership. He said that targeting their command structures would make it harder for the government to suppress demonstrations and could save countless lives.
“This would facilitate our task and prevent more loss of life,” he said.
The protests began on December 28, 2025 over rising prices and economic hardship but quickly evolved into a nationwide movement demanding the resignation of Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
According to human rights monitors, more than 2,600 people have died, while Iranian authorities describe the unrest as riots orchestrated by foreign adversaries.
Addressing reporters on Friday in Washington, Pahlavi said that some parts of Iran’s security forces refused to participate in the crackdown. He also claimed that the regime brought in fighters from foreign militias to enforce control over protesters.
He called for a “surgical strike” on the Revolutionary Guards and their operational infrastructure to weaken the government’s ability to respond violently.
He further urged global powers to apply economic pressure, expel Iranian diplomats, demand the release of political prisoners, and provide secure communication channels such as Starlink to restore internet access for the people of Iran.
“The Iranian people are taking decisive action on the ground. It is now time for the international community to join them fully,” he said.
“With or without the world’s help, the regime will fall. It will fall sooner and more lives will be saved if the world turns its words into action.”
Pahlavi declined to comment on reports of discussions with senior US officials but expressed confidence in the American president’s support. “I believe that President Trump is a man of his word and, ultimately, he will stand with the Iranian people,” he said.
Trump has previously warned Iran against executing protesters and told CBS News that the United States would take “very strong action” if such killings occurred. He later indicated that the killing had “stopped” but did not dismiss the possibility of military intervention.
Iranian authorities have responded to mounting international pressure with warnings. The speaker of parliament stated that any attack from the US would justify targeting American and Israeli military installations in the region.
Meanwhile, both the US and the UK have reduced personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar as a precaution.
Pahlavi also said he intends to return to Iran and outlined plans to establish a new constitution. When asked about the country’s future leadership, he said, “It’s for the Iranian people to decide.” He added that he believes he has the backing of ordinary Iranians and is committed to helping them gain freedom. “I am trying to help them liberate themselves,” he said.
He described a future government based on national unity, the separation of religion and state, individual freedoms, and the right of citizens to choose a democratic system.
Pahlavi’s father was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic revolution, which replaced the monarchy with a Shia-led clerical government.
The current protests, some of the most widespread in decades, reflect deep frustration with the ruling system. Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports at least 2,677 confirmed deaths and more than 1,600 additional cases under review.
Authorities have detained around 19,000 people and have enforced a nationwide internet blackout since 8 January.
Residents in Tehran, Karaj, Isfahan, and Sanandaj told the BBC on Friday that they did not witness protests on the streets, though security forces remained present in public spaces, maintaining a visible and heavy presence. International media access inside Iran remains heavily restricted, making it difficult to independently verify events.
