Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has declared his willingness to assume the role of interim leader as he rallies for international support to facilitate regime change in Iran.
In a recent interview with POLITICO in Paris, Pahlavi urged the West to back the Iranian population in their efforts to dismantle the current regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which he describes as a religious dictatorship.
To achieve this, he argued that military action may be necessary to target the regime’s infrastructure of terror while also emphasizing the need for enhanced internet and communications support for opposition groups.
Pahlavi proposed an amnesty for members of the state machinery who defect and assist in bringing the regime down, as long as they pledge to join the people in their fight for a free and democratic Iran.
“I am here today to submit myself to my compatriots to lead them down this road of peace,” he stated at a press conference in Paris.
The 64-year-old has lived in exile for nearly five decades since the Islamic revolution overthrew his family’s monarchy in 1979.
While he has faced criticism from some factions within the opposition who oppose the return of a monarchy, Pahlavi maintains a solid base of support from both monarchists and those advocating for political change in Iran.
The current economic woes facing Iran, exacerbated by international sanctions and mismanagement, have resulted in dire living conditions for many families.
However, Pahlavi claims that Israel’s military actions, which commenced on June 13, have shifted the dynamics significantly.
He noted that U.S. military involvement in striking critical nuclear facilities represents a pivotal moment.
Although regime change is not an explicit objective for the U.S. or Israel, the tone appears to be evolving towards supporting such a shift in leadership.
On social media, President Donald Trump remarked, “It’s not politically correct to use the term ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime Change??? MIGA!!!”
In his interview, Pahlavi articulated that military actions targeting key regime figures and notable sites, such as Evin Prison, where many political prisoners are held, are instrumental in inspiring confidence among the people that the regime is vulnerable.
He stressed, “The final element of change is the people rising up, knowing all the elements of regime repression are decimated or eliminated.”
According to Pahlavi, this ongoing military pressure is pushing Khamenei’s regime close to collapse, and he asserts that the concept of regime change is beginning to gain traction worldwide.
He expressed optimism regarding the timeline for regime change, stating, “I believe the odds are very good that the regime will be gone by the end of this year.”
Yet, Pahlavi criticized world leaders, particularly those involved in NATO meetings, for not sufficiently endorsing regime change in Iran—an endorsement he believes would embolden the Iranian people to take decisive action.
“They have yet to hear the world say ‘we are not going to throw another lifeline to the regime.’ That’s my key message to world leaders right now,” Pahlavi emphasized.
Amidst these developments, European nations, including the U.K., have advocated for de-escalation and a diplomatic return to negotiations with Iran.
However, Pahlavi warns that such diplomatic overtures could be counterproductive, asserting that negotiations with Khamenei’s regime have proven futile in the past.
“To think that this regime will ever become reasonable is wrong,” he argued.
He reiterated that instead of seeking negotiation, Western powers should invest in the Iranian populace, as they represent a more stable future alternative to the current regime.
Looking ahead, Pahlavi has outlined plans for a transition once the dictatorship is overthrown.
He vowed to ensure that ousted officials are treated fairly and proposed incorporating “the bulk” of military and bureaucratic forces into a future government.
Pahlavi noted, “For me to be successful in the transition plan of the interim government, we want every instrument that maintains the function of the country in place.
“Very few” top officials would remain in power, he added, emphasizing that the majority should participate in this new governing process.
He asserted that former military forces should serve not as threats but as protectors of law and order and stability in Iran.
It is crucial, he stated, that such individuals consider defection now to foster a new era for the nation.
Additionally, he suggested convening a constitutional conference involving various Iranian representatives to create a new constitution, which would subsequently be ratified by the populace in a referendum.
When asked about his vision for Iran’s future, Pahlavi said, “Democratic options should be on the table. I’m not going to be the one to decide that.
My role, however, is to make sure that no voice is left behind. That all opinions should have the chance to argue their case — it doesn’t matter if they are republicans or monarchists, it doesn’t matter if they’re on the left of center or the right.”
Despite the turmoil currently afflicting Iran, Pahlavi faces substantial challenges in returning to lead a country he left 50 years ago.
The Iranian opposition remains divided, and the long-term implications of U.S.-Israeli military actions on the national sentiment are yet to be seen.
Amidst the ongoing military assaults, many Iranians are prioritizing safety as their main concern in the face of uncertainty.
image source from：politico
