Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince and son of the late Shah of Iran, has recently emerged as a prominent supporter of the ongoing demonstrations in Iran. As protests enter their second week, with a reported death toll of 116 and over 2,600 arrests, Pahlavi is advocating for the protesters’ cause from his base in Paris.
Background of the Protests
The current wave of unrest began on December 28, 2024, spurred by the dramatic decline of Iran’s national currency, the rial, which has plunged to over 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar. This economic crisis, driven by international sanctions, has led to widespread public discontent and challenges to the Iranian theocracy.
Government Response
In response to the escalating protests, Iranian authorities have begun to crack down harshly on demonstrators. Iran’s attorney general recently declared protest participants as “enemies of God,” with warnings that those aiding rioters may face the death penalty.
- 116 reported deaths due to clashes with security forces.
- Over 2,600 individuals detained during the protests.
- Government claims of detaining nearly 200 alleged members of “operational terrorist teams.”
Reza Pahlavi’s Role
Pahlavi, now 65, was born in Tehran in 1960 and was the designated crown prince before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He left Iran for the United States shortly before his father’s reign ended. Throughout the protests, Pahlavi has taken to social media to encourage demonstrators to reclaim public spaces, urging them to showcase national symbols from the period before the revolution.
Controversies Surrounding Pahlavi
Pahlavi’s involvement has sparked debate regarding his role as a potential leader for a post-revolution Iran. Some protesters express support for the former monarchy, while others question whether this signifies allegiance to Pahlavi or nostalgia for pre-revolutionary governance.
- Pahlavi advocates for a constitutional monarchy, potentially involving an elected leader.
- His past support for Israel has generated criticism among Iranians and various opposition factions.
As the situation in Iran develops, the role of Reza Pahlavi as a figurehead for the opposition remains complex and contested. His calls for unity among the Iranian public highlight the ongoing struggle against an oppressive regime, fueling the fire of a movement that seeks significant change within the country.
