Shah's Son Fuels Iran Protests: 'People Cling to Him'

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi Emerges as Protest Figurehead

From his home in a Washington, D.C. suburb, Reza Pahlavi, the 65-year-old son of Iran's last Shah, is actively stoking the flames of protest against the Islamic Republic. In recent video messages, the exiled crown prince has called for nationwide strikes and urged demonstrators to seize city centers, positioning himself as a potential leader for Iran's future. 'I will not rest until Iran has a democratically elected government chosen by the people,' Pahlavi declared in a recent social media statement.

A Complex Legacy and Divided Support

Pahlavi's influence stems from his famous name and the nostalgia some Iranians feel for the pre-revolution era. According to polling by the Gamaan Foundation, approximately one-third of Iranians express trust in Pahlavi, making him the most popular opposition figure in recent surveys. However, political scientist Ammar Maleki of Tilburg University cautions against overstating his direct impact. 'It seems more people are demonstrating due to the perception that the regime is weakened after the twelve-day war with Israel, and Trump's threat to intervene if protesters are killed,' Maleki explains.

The protests themselves have turned deadly. Human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch report at least 28 deaths since late December 2025, with security forces using lethal force against largely peaceful demonstrators.

Fragmented Opposition and Democratic Doubts

Iran's opposition remains deeply divided, with monarchists, republicans, and leftist groups often at odds. Pahlavi presents himself as a unifying figure for a transitional government, but experts question his commitment to democratic principles. 'People cling to Pahlavi because he offers counterweight to the Islamic Republic,' says Sanam Vakil, Middle East expert at London's Chatham House think tank. 'He is an important voice within the opposition, but it is fragmented.'

Vakil notes troubling signs: 'It's very easy to talk about referendums and democracy, but there is little evidence to support his words.' She points to attacks by Pahlavi supporters on other opposition groups and questions whether his aggressive backers reflect democratic values.

Controversial Moves and International Reactions

Pahlavi's 2023 visit to Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, remains particularly controversial. While some Iranians support improved relations with Israel, others view this as betrayal. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken notice. 'He seems like a nice person,' Trump said recently about Pahlavi, though he suggested it would be inappropriate to meet him openly at this time.

As protests continue across Iranian cities, with demonstrators sometimes chanting 'long live the Shah,' the question remains whether Pahlavi's symbolic leadership can translate into meaningful political change. With the regime showing no signs of backing down and opposition forces remaining divided, Iran's political future hangs in the balance.