Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Citizens to Seize Cities

Reza Pahlavi Calls for Direct Takeover of City Centres in Iran

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, has shifted his stance from advocating civil disobedience to calling for a direct takeover of city centres. This change has drawn accusations of “terrorism” from Iranian authorities.

Pahlavi, 65, made the statement on his X account, declaring that the goal is to prepare to seize city centres and hold them. He also urged workers in key sectors to launch nationwide strikes and called on the youth of the Immortal Guard and security forces to defect.

The call to action comes amid reports of the largest antigovernment protests in years. Pahlavi asked supporters to hoist the pre-1979 “Lion and Sun” flag and occupy public spaces starting from 6pm local time. The Iranian government has responded with fury, labelling the protests as a “new phase of insecurity” and an “internal armed war”.

State-affiliated media outlets have reported that dozens of security personnel have been killed in what they describe as “armed terrorist attacks”. Officials have linked Pahlavi’s escalation to foreign interference, specifically accusing the US and Israel.

Pahlavi has faced criticism from within the Iranian opposition, with some experts arguing that his political activities have become divisive. Critics accuse his circle of attacking other prominent dissidents, labelling them “leftists” or “terrorists”.

The situation remains volatile, with Pahlavi’s popularity on the streets contrasting with sharp criticism from within the fractured Iranian opposition. The exact nature and motivations behind Pahlavi’s call to action remain unclear.

Pahlavi was born in Tehran on October 31, 1960, and was officially named crown prince at the age of seven. He completed his education in the US and has lived in exile since the 1979 revolution. For over 40 years, he has advocated for a referendum and nonviolent change.

Source: Al Jazeera