Reza Pahlavi: We Know That the Final Formula is Regime Change

Reza Pahlavi stares intently at his mobile phone, determinedly showing clips of Iranian slogans and explaining why the protesters' chants in his homeland are different this time. Even though reports indicate that the unrest has subsided, Pahlavi believes that the people of Iran are busy turning the pages to a new future for themselves. He states, "We know that the final formula is regime change. But this is what the people of Iran want, and it will not happen because the U.S. said so, or because Britain, the Saudis, or the Israelis said so. The only reason it will happen is that the people of Iran want it." The son of the last Shah of Iran before the 1979 revolution supports replacing the religious regime in Iran with a parliamentary democracy that is inclusive for all. For him, the protests witnessed in Iranian cities over the past two weeks were not just about the price of eggs, unemployment, or economic opportunities. All these protests reflect a larger grievance against the political system. In an interview with the Associated Press, Pahlavi states that the current dissatisfaction among the Iranian people poses a greater danger to the Islamic Republic than the violence that erupted after the controversial results of the 2009 presidential election, when Iranians opposed the path the government was taking; a government that was corrupt, undemocratic, opposed to human rights, and against the separation of religion from politics. Pahlavi asserts that any future government in Iran, in whatever form it takes, must declare a general amnesty for military and paramilitary forces, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, so that they can leave alongside Khamenei and other hardliners. The exiled prince says, "It is truly time to form a very large coalition." He adds that he is working to assist Iranian activists, human rights advocates, union leaders, journalists, and students to join a broader segment of the Iranian population and stand against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of Iran, and the clergy and officials forming the ruling establishment. Pahlavi has stated, "These are usurpers who have invaded the country, taken us hostage, and we must take our country back. The time is now." He articulates a role for himself akin to carrying the flag for the protesters, sharing their demands with Western countries like the United States to increase their pressures and impose potential sanctions on Iranian leaders and their assets. Iranian officials have claimed that nearly 3,700 people have been arrested during the recent dissatisfaction and protests. Demonstrators are calling for the overthrow of the ruling regime, and videos sent show that some protesters express their support for Reza Pahlavi. The presence of protesters across all regions of Iran was a point that surprised many observers. Just as millions took to the streets of Tehran following Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's victory announcement in his second presidential term, this time, however, the protesters entered the scene without specific divisions and without leadership, but on a much larger scale. More than 80 cities in Iran witnessed protests. However, Iranian officials have stated that the protests have ended. Pahlavi has aligned himself with the events in Iran. According to his aides, he has maintained contact with a wide network both inside and outside the government for many years. And of course, an equally important reference: the ordinary people of Iran, who can connect with him through social media. However, Reza Pahlavi may not be a credible voice for change in a country he has been away from for 38 years. The ruling authorities in Iran have accused him of exploiting the situation and attempting to seize power. The Islamic world is filled with cautionary tales about exiles who return to their homeland believing they know what is best for their country. Although many of the protesting Iranian youth were born after the revolution and have never witnessed the Shah's regime, Pahlavi believes that the support he has received in messages and files shared on Telegram is genuine. He asserts, "This is not a random or nostalgic issue." Now 57 years old, Pahlavi insists that the young and perceptive Iranian generation resonates with his message for inclusivity and rejecting brainwashing and the separation of the Islamic Republic. Pahlavi also has a vision for this democratic change: to strengthen the "struggle" until the Iranian government collapses from within; to initiate a transitional period; to hold popular elections to form a parliament as defined by the constitution; to respect secularism and democracy; and to conduct free and fair elections for the first parliament and government. However, each of these concepts encompasses broad ideas that contain many difficult challenges. For instance, Mr. Pahlavi states that any future government in Iran, in whatever form it takes, must declare a general amnesty for military and paramilitary forces, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, so that they can leave alongside Khamenei and other hardliners. Such a proposal does not address the deep influence they have in Iran's economy, which is one of the sources of discontent among the Iranian people. What will Pahlavi's path in the new Iran be? Will it end with him sitting on the peacock throne? Or will he play a role similar to that of "Baba," the former Afghan king Mohammed Zahir Shah, who returned to the country after the fall of the Taliban but held a symbolic role without executive power, merely serving as a symbol of national unity? Mr. Pahlavi responds, "Honestly, I don't know. I know what I need to do now. I have never been caught up in thinking about what my personal role or future might be." He states that holding fair elections in Iran, instead of voting for pre-approved presidential candidates and parliamentary representatives, is "the only mission of his life." He adds, "Of course, I am ready to serve my country. I have no idea what capacity that might be, or might not be. I might become an ordinary citizen living out my days, or I might be asked to take on a larger role." Reza Pahlavi says, "Everyone knows I am the heir to the throne. But if the country is more ready to be a republic, so much the better."