Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Iran’s last shah, at centre of protest chants

Many demonstrators in Iran have been calling for the return of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s final shah (king).

Pahlavi himself has referred to as for individuals to take to the streets. So who’s the previous crown prince and the way a lot help does he have?

Groomed from delivery to inherit Iran’s Peacock Throne, Reza Pahlavi was present process fighter pilot coaching in america when the 1979 revolution swept away his father’s monarchy.

He watched from afar as his father, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi – as soon as backed by Western allies – struggled to search out refuge overseas and in the end died of most cancers in Egypt.

The sudden lack of energy left the younger crown prince and his household stateless, reliant on a dwindling circle of royalists and well-wishers in exile.

Within the many years that adopted, tragedy struck the household greater than as soon as. His youthful sister and brother each took their very own lives, leaving him the symbolic head of a dynasty many thought was consigned to historical past.

Now, at 65, Reza Pahlavi is as soon as once more in search of a job in shaping his nation’s future.

From his house in a quiet suburb close to Washington DC, supporters describe him as low-profile and approachable – a frequent customer to native cafés, usually accompanied by his spouse, Yasmine, with out seen safety.

In 2022, when requested by a passer-by whether or not he noticed himself because the chief of Iran’s protest motion, he and Yasmine reportedly replied in unison: “Change has to return from inside.”

Lately, nonetheless, his tone has grown extra assertive. Following Israeli air strikes in 2025 that killed a number of senior Iranian generals, Pahlavi declared in a press convention in Paris that he was ready to assist lead a transitional authorities if the Islamic Republic collapsed.

He has since outlined a 100-day plan for an interim administration.

Pahlavi insists this new confidence stems from classes discovered in exile and from what he calls the “unfinished mission” his father left behind.

“This isn’t about restoring the previous,” he informed reporters in Paris. “It is about securing a democratic future for all Iranians.”

Born in October 1960 in Tehran, Pahlavi was the shah’s solely son after two earlier marriages failed to supply a male inheritor. He grew up surrounded by privilege, educated by non-public tutors, and educated from a younger age to defend the monarchy.

At 17, he was despatched to Texas to coach as a fighter pilot. However earlier than he may return to serve, the revolution toppled his father’s rule.

Since then, Pahlavi has lived in america. He studied political science, married Yasmine – a lawyer and fellow Iranian-American – and raised three daughters: Noor, Iman and Farah.

In exile, Pahlavi has remained a potent image for monarchists. Many bear in mind the Pahlavi period as considered one of speedy modernisation and nearer ties to the West. Others recall a time marked by censorship and the fearsome Savak secret police, which was used to suppress dissent and was identified for human rights abuses.

Over time, his recognition inside Iran has fluctuated. In 1980, he held a symbolic coronation ceremony in Cairo, declaring himself the shah. Though it had little sensible affect, some opponents say it undermines his present message of democratic reform.

He has made a number of makes an attempt to construct opposition coalitions, together with the Nationwide Council of Iran for Free Elections, launched in 2013. Most have struggled with inside disagreements and restricted outreach inside Iran.

Not like some exiled opposition teams, Pahlavi has persistently rejected violence and distanced himself from armed factions such because the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK).

He has repeatedly referred to as for a peaceable transition and a nationwide referendum to resolve Iran’s future political system.

Pahlavi has acquired recent consideration lately. Chants of “Reza Shah, might your soul be blessed” – a reference to his grandfather – resurfaced throughout anti-government protests in 2017.

The killing of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022 ignited nationwide demonstrations, propelling him again into the media highlight.

His try and unite Iran’s fragmented opposition drew cautious worldwide curiosity, however in the end failed to keep up momentum. Detractors argue he has but to construct a sturdy organisation or an impartial media outlet after 4 many years overseas.

A controversial go to to Israel in 2023, throughout which he attended a Holocaust memorial occasion and met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, additional polarised opinion. Some Iranians considered this as pragmatic outreach; others noticed it as alienating Iran’s Arab and Muslim allies.

After latest Israeli air strikes inside Iran, he confronted troublesome questions.

In an interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, he was requested whether or not he supported Israeli assaults that risked civilian lives.

He maintained that unusual Iranians weren’t the goal and mentioned that “something that weakens the regime” could be welcomed by many inside Iran – remarks that sparked fierce debate.

In the present day, Pahlavi presents himself not as a king-in-waiting, however as a figurehead for nationwide reconciliation.

He says he desires to assist information Iran in direction of free elections, the rule of legislation and equal rights for ladies – whereas leaving the final word choice about restoring the monarchy or establishing a republic to a nationwide vote.

His supporters see him as the one opposition determine with identify recognition and a long-standing dedication to peaceable change.

Critics counter that he stays too depending on international backing and query whether or not Iranians contained in the nation, weary after many years of political turmoil, are able to belief any exiled chief.

Whereas Iran’s authorities portrays him as a menace, it’s inconceivable to measure his true help with out an open political area and credible polls.

Some Iranians nonetheless revere his household identify; others worry changing one unelected ruler with one other, even below a democratic guise.

Pahlavi’s father’s physique stays buried in Cairo, awaiting what royalists hope shall be a symbolic return to Iran sooner or later.

Whether or not the exiled crown prince will ever see that day – or a free Iran – stays one of many many unanswered questions on a nation nonetheless wrestling with its previous.