The exiled son of Iran’s last Shah, Reza Pahlavi, appears to be preparing his return to Iran’s political scene, calling on the people to revolt. The name of Reza Pahlavi resurfaces powerfully after nearly half a century since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the monarchy and sent the royal family into exile. Now, the eldest son of the last Shah, who was only 16 years old when his father’s 40-year rule in Iran collapsed, emerges today – at 65 – as a central figure of the opposition, amid a new wave of anti-government demonstrations.

Reza Pahlavi’s return to Iran: “I firmly believe that day is very close”

Reza Pahlavi himself announced preparations for their return in a social media post, calling on the people to take to the streets and urging the youth of the Eternal Iran Guard and armed forces to “further slow down and disorganize the repression machine.”

Specifically, he noted in a post on X: “My dear compatriots,

With your courage and steadfastness, you have aroused the admiration of the entire world. Your new, massive and impressive presence in the streets throughout Iran on Friday evening was a resounding response to the threats of the treacherous and criminal leader of the Islamic Republic. I am certain he saw these images from his hideout and literally trembled with fear.

Now, after your dynamic response to the first call, I am confident that, with more targeted presence in the streets and simultaneously cutting off economic ‘arteries,’ we will bring the Islamic Republic and its corrupt and fragile repression mechanism completely to its knees.

In this context, I call on workers and employees in critical economic sectors – especially in transportation, as well as oil, natural gas and energy – to begin the process of a general strike.

At the same time, I ask all of you today and tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday (20th and 21st of the month), this time from 6 PM, to take to the streets with flags, images and national symbols and make public spaces your own. Our goal now is not simply to take to the streets; the goal is to prepare for the occupation of city centers and their maintenance.

To achieve this, move as much as possible from different routes toward the most central points of cities and finally unite the scattered groups. Simultaneously, prepare now for staying in the streets and ensure you have the necessary equipment.

To the youth of the Eternal Iran Guard and to all armed and security forces who have joined the national cooperation, I say: Further slow down and disorganize the repression machine, so that on the decisive day we can definitively put it out of operation.

And I am preparing my return to the homeland, to be beside you, the great people of Iran, at the moment of victory of our national revolution. I firmly believe that day is very close.”

Mass mobilizations in Iran: “Pahlavi will return”

Indeed, following the exiled former heir’s call for citizens to take to the streets, people went out and held massive demonstrations in many Iranian cities on Thursday, chanting: “This is the final battle. Pahlavi will return.” Protesters shouted pro-monarchy slogans, such as “Long live the king” and “Reza Shah, may God rest your soul,” in an unprecedented challenge to the Islamic regime.

The demonstrations began at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over economic hardship, but quickly took on a clearly anti-government character.

“Divisive figure, not unifying”

Pahlavi, who lives in the US, attempts to present himself as the de facto political voice of popular discontent, according to CNN, in a country where support for monarchy remains taboo and a criminal offense.

Analysts note that it’s unclear whether Pahlavi’s increasing prominence reflects genuine desire for monarchy restoration or primarily indicates citizens’ desperation against an authoritarian theocratic regime. “Reza Pahlavi has undoubtedly strengthened his influence and emerged as a key player in Iranian opposition,” notes academic Aras Azizi, “but he remains a divisive figure, not unifying.”

The Islamic Republic has managed for decades to neutralize internal opposition, imprisoning critics and drastically limiting elected officials’ powers. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei maintains absolute control, which has strengthened external opposition and the dynamics of figures like Pahlavi.

His international recognition increased after 2020, when Iran accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger aircraft. This event rallied Iranian dissidents abroad into an informal council, which however soon dissolved due to internal disagreements. Nevertheless, Pahlavi remained the most recognizable opposition figure, with support from, among others, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – an alliance that has provoked strong reactions inside Iran.

He appears cautious about the role he would assume, stating he could lead a transitional period if demonstrations lead to regime overthrow. However, he hasn’t presented a concrete plan, causing skepticism even among his supporters. “He talks about transitional government but without explaining who would participate and how the system would function,” notes Professor Vali Nasr to CNN.

According to analysts, the rallying around Pahlavi indicates that the Iranian regime is at an impasse. The economy suffers from years of corruption and international sanctions, youth suffocate from freedom restrictions, and social discontent grows. “Iranians don’t turn to Pahlavi because he’s a solution, but because they feel they have no other options,” Nasr emphasizes.

Pahlavi himself attempts to capitalize on nostalgia for the pre-revolutionary era. “Older people remember the day I was born as a national event,” he recently stated. “Today, young people call me father – and that means a lot to me.”