Who is Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince rallying support for protests across Iran?
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's ousted Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, addressed the media during a press conference in Paris on Monday, June 23, 2025. As demonstrations erupt nationwide in Iran, nearing the two-week mark, the government in Tehran has both acknowledged the protests and intensified its crackdown on dissent.
As of early Sunday, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that the violence between protestors and government forces has resulted in at least 116 deaths, with over 2,600 individuals detained. Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a prominent voice among those advocating for continued resistance against the ruling regime, frequently sharing messages on social media that motivate protestors to take action.
In a chilling statement, Iran’s attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, declared that anyone involved in the unrest would be labeled an "enemy of God." This declaration, broadcasted through state television, warned that even individuals who assist protestors could face similar repercussions, including the death penalty.
The current wave of protests ignited on December 28, sparked by a dramatic decline in the value of the national currency, the rial, which is now trading at over 1.4 million to the U.S. dollar—having lost half of its worth since September. The economic strain exacerbated by international sanctions has fueled public discontent, leading to open challenges against Iran’s theocratic leadership.
In response to the demonstrations, the Iranian government has mobilized security forces while utilizing state-run media to project power. State television has aired pro-government rallies, while surveillance footage shared by the Fars news agency depicted a protestor in Isfahan allegedly firing a weapon, amidst scenes of others igniting fires and hurling gasoline bombs towards what appeared to be a government facility. Another government-affiliated outlet, Tasnim, reported that around 200 individuals linked to "operational terrorist teams" had been arrested, with allegations that they possessed firearms, grenades, and incendiary devices.
As these events unfold, Reza Pahlavi, the 65-year-old exiled Crown Prince and son of the late Shah, has re-emerged as a significant figure within various Iranian opposition factions. In online communications, Pahlavi encouraged protestors to take to the streets on Thursday night and Friday, suggesting they carry the historical lion-and-sun flag and other national emblems from his father’s reign to reclaim public spaces.
Although he was born in Iran, Pahlavi has spent nearly five decades in exile. Born in Tehran in 1960, he was designated as Iran's crown prince until his father's regime was toppled. His father, who inherited the throne from his own father—an army officer who gained power with British backing—saw his rule characterized by rising oil revenues in the 1970s alongside deepening economic inequality. The notorious Savak intelligence agency became infamous for its brutal treatment of dissenters during this period.
The Pahlavi dynasty came to an end in 1979, as millions participated in protests against the Shah, uniting various factions including secular leftists, labor unions, professionals, students, and religious leaders. Reza Pahlavi had departed Iran for flight training at a U.S. air base in Texas a year prior, witnessing his father’s exodus amid the Islamic Revolution, which led to the establishment of a new theocratic government dominated by Shiite clerics. Following his father’s death, an exiled royal court declared on October 31, 1980—his 20th birthday—that Reza Pahlavi had assumed the monarchical title of Shah.
Pahlavi’s attempts to position himself as a potential leader for a future Iran have sparked intense debates both domestically and abroad. While some protestors have voiced support for the Shah during demonstrations, it remains unclear whether this sentiment reflects an endorsement of Pahlavi himself or a longing for the era preceding the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
His outspoken support for Israel has drawn considerable backlash from many Iranians, particularly following Israel's military actions in June 2025. Utilizing social media and platforms like Farsi-language news channels such as Iran International, Pahlavi has made efforts to amplify his calls for protests. In various interviews, he has floated the possibility of a constitutional monarchy, advocating for either elected or hereditary leadership but ultimately stressing that the decision lies with the Iranian people.
But here's where it gets controversial: will the legacy of the Pahlavi dynasty resonate with a new generation that seeks change, or will it be an impediment to progress? How do you think the complicated history of Iran's monarchy will influence the protests today? Share your thoughts below!
