Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi has issued his strongest call yet for a “regime change” in Tehran, declaring that the Islamic Republic is on the verge of collapse and calling this period a “Berlin Wall moment” for the Iranian people.
At a press conference, Pahlavi said:
“The regime is defeated, teetering on the edge of collapse, and must not be allowed to continue. The time has come to end this ruin and begin a new era for Iran.“
His remarks follow the dramatic escalation in West Asia, where the United States bombed three underground nuclear facilities in Iran, deepening the confrontation between Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv.
In a direct address to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Pahlavi demanded his resignation, promising a fair trial if he stepped down peacefully:
“There is only one way to achieve peace—a secular, democratic Iran. Step down and face justice under the law, something you have long denied the Iranian people.“
Pahlavi revealed plans to lead a national transition, clarifying that his role is not for personal political power but as a servant to the Iranian people. He emphasized three core principles for Iran’s future:
- Iran’s territorial integrity
- Individual liberties and equality for all citizens
- Separation of religion and state
Pahlavi also outlined an ambitious transition roadmap, including a National Unity Summit to bring together activists, dissidents, business leaders, and professionals to create a democratic pathway forward.
He announced the launch of a secure communication channel for members of Iran’s military, police, and security forces who wish to defect and join the pro-democracy movement:
“This platform will efficiently manage the growing number of regime insiders breaking away and reaching out to us.“
Pahlavi further introduced the Iran Prosperity Project (IPP)—a three-phase economic revival plan designed to stabilize Iran during the transition, rebuild national infrastructure, and attract global investors:
- Emergency Phase (4-6 months)
- Establishment Phase (18-24 months)
- Normalization Phase (long term)
“We are assembling some of the world’s greatest investors and experts ready to help Iran unlock its immense potential. A free and democratic Iran can become a regional powerhouse and an engine of innovation and prosperity,” he said.
Blaming Khamenei’s leadership for economic ruin, militarization, and isolation, Pahlavi claimed credible reports suggest that senior regime families are preparing to flee Iran.
“The military is fractured, the people are united, and the foundations of this 46-year tyranny are shaking,” he declared.
Pahlavi warned the international community not to offer lifelines to the current regime:
“A decaying regime will lash out dangerously if allowed to survive. The only path to peace and security—for Iran, the region, and the world—is democratic change in Tehran.“
He stressed that the destruction of nuclear facilities alone won’t guarantee peace, as Iran’s regime may pursue nuclear capabilities through rogue allies like North Korea.
“Work with us for a peaceful transition. Now is not the time for hesitation. Now is the time for principled action,” he urged world powers.
Calling this moment a “final step towards national revival”, Reza Pahlavi invoked Iran’s rich historical legacy of unity and greatness:
“We are a proud, ancient, and resilient people. Like Cyrus the Great, this is our moment to build a new Iran—free, democratic, and prosperous.“
Background:
Reza Pahlavi, son of the late Shah of Iran, has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Long an advocate for secular democracy, he has refrained from seeking monarchical restoration, instead pushing for popular sovereignty and civil liberties in Iran.
His speech comes amid the largest escalation of US-Iran tensions in years, raising global concerns over the stability of the Middle East.