Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, publicly endorsed the joint military action undertaken by the United States and Israel against targets within Iran on Saturday, calling it a “humanitarian intervention” and urging Iranian citizens to prepare for a final push to overthrow the Islamic Republic. His statement came as initial reports indicated strikes against power centers in Tehran and other military objectives across the country.
“The help that the President of the United States promised to the brave people of Iran has arrived,” Pahlavi stated in a message disseminated via social media. “What we have is a humanitarian intervention, and its target is the Islamic Republic, its repressive apparatus, and its machinery of extermination; not the great country and nation of Iran.”
Pahlavi, who resides in the United States after his father’s exile following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has increasingly positioned himself as a potential leader in the event of regime change, gaining prominence during recent waves of protests within Iran. He called on Iranians to “return to the streets” and complete the task of dismantling the current government, asserting that ultimate victory rests with the Iranian people.
“Despite this help, the final victory will be ours,” Pahlavi continued. “We, the Iranian people, are the ones who will complete this task in this final battle. The time to return to the streets is approaching.”
Addressing Iran’s military, police, and security forces, Pahlavi urged them to prioritize the protection of the Iranian people and the nation over loyalty to the Islamic Republic and its leadership. He warned that remaining aligned with the current regime would mean sharing its fate as it collapses.
“Now that the Islamic Republic is collapsing, my message to the military, police, and security forces of the country is clear: You have sworn to be the protectors of Iran and the Iranian nation, not the protectors of the Islamic Republic and its leaders. Your duty is to defend the people, not a regime that has hijacked our homeland through repression and crime. Join the nation and help ensure a stable and secure transition. Otherwise, you will sink with the sinking ship of Jamenei and his regime,” he stated.
Pahlavi also directed a message to U.S. President Donald Trump, appealing for “maximum caution” to protect civilian lives during the intervention. He emphasized the Iranian people’s resilience in the face of brutal repression and asserted their status as a natural ally of the United States and the free world.
“My message to the President of the United States, President Trump, is this: The noble nation of Iran, despite the brutal repression and murders of this regime, has bravely resisted for almost two months. I now question you to act with the utmost caution to protect the lives of civilians and my compatriots. The Iranian people are your natural ally and the free world, and they will not forget your support during the most difficult period in Iran’s contemporary history,” Pahlavi said.
He advised Iranian citizens to remain in their homes and maintain peace and security, while remaining vigilant and prepared to return to the streets when the time is right, promising to provide detailed instructions through social media, satellite communications, and radio broadcasts in the event of internet or satellite disruptions.
“We are very close to final victory. I want to be with you as soon as possible so that together People can reclaim and rebuild Iran,” Pahlavi concluded.
