Did you know that before the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran was a monarchy under the Pahlavi dynasty?

The Iranian Revolution of 1979 dramatically altered the country’s political landscape. Before this seismic event, Iran was a monarchy, ruled by the Pahlavi dynasty. The last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was overthrown, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Republic. This revolution paved the way for Ayatollah Khomeini, who became the nation’s first Supreme Leader. Since then, Iran has remained under a theocratic regime.

The Former Crown Prince of Iran

Reza Pahlavi, son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, holds the title of the former Crown Prince of Iran. In exile since the revolution, he has not faded from the political scene. Pahlavi is actively involved in Iran’s democracy movement and is the founder of the self-proclaimed National Council of Iran, a group opposing the current regime. His calls for change have gained traction among Iranians who seek reform, and his influence in exiled political circles continues to grow.

The Recent Missile Attack on Israel and Pahlavi’s Response

Why mention all this now? On the heels of an unprecedented ballistic missile attack launched by Iran on Israel, Pahlavi made headlines once again. Yesterday, after the attack, Reza Pahlavi took to X (formerly Twitter), addressing Iranians directly in a post that resonated with many.

In his message, he condemned the regime for its long-standing support of terrorism and warmongering, culminating in the rocket attack on Israel. He characterized the attack not only as an act of aggression against Israel but also against the Iranian people themselves.

Pahlavi was clear in his criticism of the Islamic regime, asserting that its very nature stands against the interests of peace, stability, and prosperity for Iran. He argued that reform within the existing regime is impossible, and the only path forward for a brighter future in Iran lies in national unity and the eventual overthrow of the government.

A Call for Change

Pahlavi’s message didn’t stop with condemnation. He called on the Iranian military to resist the ambitions of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His rallying cry for unity and national strength was met with widespread support online.

His supporters, many of whom view him as the rightful leader of Iran, filled the comments section with encouragement. Whether or not this represents a majority opinion in Iran is debatable. What is clear, though, is that Pahlavi still enjoys considerable popularity among Iranians who are fed up with the current regime’s policies, both domestically and internationally.

What’s Next for Iran?

Could this be the start of another political revolution in Iran? Or will it simply become a momentary spark in a nation with a long and complex history? Only time will tell, but Reza Pahlavi’s increasing visibility, particularly in moments of crisis, suggests that the future of Iran may once again see dramatic change. His call for a free, democratic, and prosperous Iran strikes a chord with many who yearn for a departure from the regime’s authoritarian rule.

In the coming days, as Iran and the rest of the world react to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, it will be interesting to see if Pahlavi’s message of unity and resistance gains more traction within Iran. Could we be witnessing the beginning of another chapter in the long struggle for Iran’s political identity? Or will this, like many moments before it, be a fleeting event? Only history will have the answer.