Iran protests: Who is exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, son of last Shah, ousted in 1979 by Khomeini, now drawing huge support
The protests, which have spread to at least 90 cities across Iran, stem from a lack of patience in the face of rising prices, job losses and a deepening economic crisis. Security forces responded with force, leaving at least 42 people dead and thousands detained.
Protests increase in Iran after Reza Pahlavi is summoned from exile
On Thursday evening, crowds took to the streets and chanted slogans against ruling clerics and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei even as authorities cut off internet access and phone lines across the country in a widespread communications blackout. The power outage came just hours after Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last ruler, organized demonstrations across the country and called on people to “shout their demands” from the streets, rooftops and even their homes.
Also Read: Death toll rises to 42 due to internet and telephone outages in Iran
In the press release shared on social media, Pahlavi said, “Great Iranian nation, the eyes of the world are on you. Take to the streets and shout out your demands as a united front.”
Who is Iran’s exiled crown prince, Prince Reza Pahlavi?
Reza Pahlavi was born on October 31, 1960, in Tehran, as the eldest son of the last ruler of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, and Empress Farah. His family ruled until the Islamic Revolution of 1979, when the Shah was forced into exile. Pahlavi was named crown prince in his childhood and left Iran with his family in 1978, months before the revolution ended centuries of monarchical rule and established a theocratic government under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
He has lived mostly abroad since then and has emerged as a vocal critic of the Islamic Republic. Pahlavi has called for secular reforms in recent years and called on Iranians, including the security forces, to reject the current regime.
From economic anger to political challenge
What started as widespread dissatisfaction with rising inflation and a depreciating currency has turned into political overtones. In a shift not seen in many years, some protesters openly called for the return of the monarchy, evoking slogans linked to the Pahlavi dynasty.
Pahlavi, who has lived abroad for decades, is seen by some as a symbolic figure around whom discontent can coalesce. His intervention comes at a time when many Iranians are expressing frustration not only with the economy but also with the grip of religious institutions on power.
Reza Pehalavi’s impact and momentum test
The latest unrest represents an important test of whether Pahlavi’s call resonates with ordinary Iranians, many of whom have spent their entire lives under the rule of the Islamic Republic. Although slogans referencing the Shah are common in the protests, analysts warn that the movement is largely decentralized and not overtly loyal to any one leader.
International reactions are already emerging. US President Donald Trump has publicly supported Iranian protesters, condemning violence against them and warning Tehran of the consequences if the crackdown intensifies.
As demonstrations continue into a second week, the coming days will test both the resilience of the protesters and the government’s willingness to tolerate dissent, and how much an exiled figure like Reza Pahlavi can shape Iran’s moment of crisis.
