Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, made a powerful appeal to the Iranian people during a recent press conference in Paris. He urged them to take a stand against the Islamic regime, declaring, “This is our Berlin Wall moment.” His reference to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized a pivotal moment when East Germans broke free from oppression, and he believes Iran is at a similar crossroads.
Pahlavi called for the resignation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, blaming him for the country’s dire state. He accused Khamenei and his regime of driving Iran’s economy to the brink of collapse and misusing national resources. He stated that the regime has squandered wealth on nuclear weapons while failing to provide security and stability for the Iranian people.
Highlighting the regime’s vulnerability, Pahlavi noted that reports suggest Khamenei’s family and other senior officials are preparing to flee Iran. He described the military as fractured and indicated that the regime is losing control in cities across the country.
In his speech, Pahlavi announced the creation of a secure communication channel for military and police personnel who wish to join his movement. He emphasized the importance of unity among those opposing the regime and called for a peaceful transition to democracy.
His remarks come shortly after former President Donald Trump echoed similar sentiments, calling for regime change in Iran. Pahlavi warned that while recent attacks on nuclear facilities have weakened the regime’s capabilities, they do not eliminate its desire to pursue nuclear weapons. He urged the international community not to support the current regime, as doing so could lead to further violence.
Looking to the future, Pahlavi outlined his vision for a democratic Iran based on three principles: territorial integrity, individual liberties, and the separation of religion from state. He proposed a national referendum to decide the final form of Iran’s government.
To kickstart this transition, he plans to convene a national unity summit with activists, business leaders, and various groups to create a roadmap for democracy and reconstruction. Alongside this, he is developing an economic plan called the Iran Prosperity Project, which aims to stabilize and rebuild the country in three phases.
Pahlavi painted a hopeful picture of a free and democratic Iran, one that could thrive in peace and contribute positively to the region. He expressed his commitment to serving the Iranian people and called for collective action to achieve this vision. As he concluded, he reminded his compatriots that this is their moment to reclaim their nation and build a brighter future together.