Reza Pahlavi Urges Iranians to "Take the Cities"

Who is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran and the exiled prince, has long been the political face of the Iranian opposition in exile, advocating for nonviolent resistance and secular democracy from the United States. However, this past weekend, the tone of the 65-year-old heir of the Peacock Throne changed dramatically. In a provocative appeal to the Iranian government, Pahlavi urged Iranians to "take the centers of cities" and prepare for his imminent return, leading to what Iranian state media referred to as "armed terrorist attacks" across the country.

The Journey from Prince to Exile

Born in Tehran on October 31, 1960, Pahlavi was officially named heir apparent at the age of seven. His destiny seemed to lie on the throne until the 1979 revolution overthrew the monarchy. At 17, he left Iran to pursue a career as a pilot in the USA. While he was away, the monarchy was abolished, and the current political system solidified, preventing his return. Pahlavi completed his training and obtained a degree in political science from the University of Southern California. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, he attempted to join the air force but was rejected by authorities in Tehran.

Preparations for Return

Pahlavi has campaigned for over 40 years for a referendum and nonviolent change. However, his rhetoric has sharpened considerably in recent days. In a statement, he urged workers in key sectors such as transportation and energy to organize nationwide strikes to "cut the state's financial lines." He also called on “the youth of the Immortal Guard” and security forces to desert. "I am also preparing to return home, so that at the moment of our national revolution's victory, I can be with you," he stated.

Accusations of "Terror" from Tehran

The reaction from Tehran has been furious. State-affiliated media described the protests as a "new stage of insecurity" and an "armed internal war." A report from the conservative newspaper Vatan-e Emrooz characterized Pahlavi's call as a cover for "terrorist nuclei" to attack the police and Basij forces. "Do not be deceived; this is not just a revolt... these have been armed terrorist attacks," the report stated, asserting that dozens of security personnel had been killed.

Pahlavi, Controversial Within the Opposition

While Pahlavi has gained renewed popularity on the streets of Iran, he faces severe criticism from the fractured Iranian opposition. Analyst Alireza Nader claimed that Pahlavi's political activities have become divisive. Critics accuse him of attacking other prominent dissidents, labeling them as "leftists" or "terrorists." Despite these internal rifts, Pahlavi remains the most visible figure of the current political turmoil. With the Trump administration adopting a hands-off approach, emphasizing that "it is up to the Iranians to choose their own leaders," and the streets of Tehran ablaze, the exiled prince seems to be making his last gamble for the throne lost 47 years ago.