Prince Reza Pahlavi on Assad's Fall: We Are Closer to Victory

Prince Reza Pahlavi reacted to the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, stating, "The domino effect of the fall has reached the axis of evil of the Islamic Republic in Syria and Bashar al-Assad," reviving hope that dictators "sooner or later will join the dustbin of history." In a statement published on various social media platforms on Sunday, December 9, he wrote: "The domino effect of the fall has reached the axis of evil of the Islamic Republic in Syria and Bashar al-Assad; a criminal against humanity whose hands are stained with the blood of hundreds of thousands of defenseless citizens and children. Assad's fall revives hope in the hearts of freedom lovers around the world that no dictator, no matter how bloodthirsty and ruthless, can remain in power forever with foreign support and will sooner or later join the dustbin of history." He noted that "one year after the October 7 terrorist attack," following the collapse of Hamas and Hezbollah, and the destruction of their terrorist leaders, Khamenei's regime has lost its most important regional stronghold and is in its weakest and most vulnerable state. According to Prince Reza Pahlavi, "The Islamic Republic, with its disastrous regional policies, has led not only the people and countries of the region but also the lives and livelihoods of the Iranian nation to destruction. Billions of dollars of our national wealth have been spent, instead of being used for the prosperity of Iran, on supporting criminals and mercenaries in the region. But today, we all see where these policies have led. Today, Syria has become a symbol of the Islamic Republic's defeat." He addressed those who are "still standing by the regime" of the Islamic Republic, saying, "See your future in the mirror of Syria and separate from it now. Khamenei has sent thousands of you to death under the pretext of defending the 'sanctuary' and in reality to keep the criminal Assad in power. Look at the fate of Assad and his 'defenders of the sanctuary' today. Is there anything left from those claims other than destruction and humiliation? This regime has sacrificed the lives of its few defenders for its survival and will continue to do so. Separate your path from the Islamic Republic and thereby guarantee your future and that of your family." He also emphasized to those whose "faith has become a toy of the world of the Supreme Leader": "The Islamic Republic, by promoting extremist Islamism and fueling sectarian and religious wars, has distorted the face of traditional piety. This regime has exploited the religious beliefs of the people, sowing seeds of division and hatred among the nations of the region. The end of the Islamic Republic will be the beginning of reconciliation among different religions and sects in our region, and the Iranian nation will once again establish friendly relations with all nations of the region based on national interests, regardless of their religion, creed, race, or language." Prince Reza Pahlavi then addressed the "great nation of Iran": "Today, as the Islamic Republic is weaker, more vulnerable, and more isolated than ever, we are closer to victory than ever. It is the national duty of all of us, especially patriotic political, social, and economic elites, to double our efforts in strengthening the national revolution and prepare ourselves for taking the final steps toward overthrowing this tyrannical regime. The ancient country of Iran is not Syria, and contrary to what the Islamic Republic and other enemies of Iran's integrity promise, it will not become a battleground for bloody wars of jihadist and separatist groups." He also addressed the "brave children of Iran" and emphasized: "You are the guardians of this eternal land. The fate of Iran will be determined by your hands. It is our historical duty to build a free and prosperous future for our country. Now is the time for unity and rising up to build a better tomorrow. A future in which Iran is free and independent and regains its rightful place in the region and the world under a national, secular, and democratic government." In conclusion, Prince Reza Pahlavi stated: "Iran belongs to us, and we will shape its destiny together." Following the rapid and effortless advance of the opposition groups against Bashar al-Assad's government, these groups entered Damascus, the capital of Syria, on Sunday, December 9, 1403, without facing resistance from government forces after capturing the cities of Homs, Deir ez-Zor, and Daraa. The fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria has sparked widespread reactions among Iranian social media users, and several political figures and analysts have noted that the joining of dictatorial regimes, including the Islamic Republic and its leader Ali Khamenei, to the "dustbin of history" is inevitable.