Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah and self-styled crown prince, has declared that the Islamic Republic is on the brink of collapse, warning that the regime is confronting its “Berlin Wall moment.” Speaking in France, Pahlavi positioned himself as a potential leader for a peaceful transition to democracy in Iran, according to a report by Times UK.
Pahlavi urged Western governments not to offer the Iranian regime any lifeline that might prolong its “terror and bloodshed,” arguing that only regime change could bring stability and peace. He is actively building support through a planned “national unity summit” to discuss Iran’s future, claiming growing receptiveness among Western officials to his message.
The Pahlavi dynasty, ousted during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, has spent over four decades in exile, mainly in the US and France. While supporters see Reza Pahlavi as a unifying figure for Iran’s opposition, critics remember the former monarchy for its authoritarian rule and opulent lifestyle.
At a Paris press conference, where he spoke in English, French, and Persian, Pahlavi asserted that a “great majority” of Iranians want to end the clerical regime. He condemned Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for crippling Iran’s economy, wasting national resources on nuclear weapons, and undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Warning European leaders such as Sir Keir Starmer and President Emmanuel Macron against negotiating with Tehran, Pahlavi cautioned that if the regime survives, it will continue its nuclear ambitions and regional aggression. “As long as [the regime] is in power, no country and no people are safe,” he said, naming cities from Washington to Riyadh to Tehran.
Pahlavi described himself not as a power-seeker but as a “servant” ready to help Iran transition to a secular, democratic future. He emphasized that titles were irrelevant compared to his goal of uniting democratic and secular forces.
Despite accusations of lacking authority, Pahlavi highlighted his ongoing efforts, including opening channels for dissident security personnel to reach him and developing an economic plan for post-regime Iran. He also revealed plans to convene a broad coalition of political activists, business leaders, and experts at his “national unity summit” to chart a roadmap for democratic reconstruction.
Acknowledging the impact of current conflicts, Pahlavi appeared to support Israeli and American military action, stating that Iranians’ greatest threat comes from their own regime. He confirmed contact with various governments, including Israel, as part of his efforts to build international backing.
