Reza Pahlavi: The Son of Iran’s Last Shah Aiming to Restore Leadership

“The end of the Islamic regime is approaching; our Berlin Wall moment is coming,” declared Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah, just hours before Iran attacked the largest U.S. base in the Middle East and Donald Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran. Positioning himself as a transitional leader for a ‘peaceful, democratic Iran,’ Pahlavi described the government in Tehran as ‘weak and divided.’ He is the man who has been waiting—perhaps longer than anyone—for the fall of Iran’s current regime, commenting on recent events that could benefit him. For decades, Pahlavi has called for the overthrow of Iran’s religious leaders. The bombings by Israel and the U.S. have sparked hope that this might become reality, prompting him to call on the international community to remove Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from power. On Monday, dressed in a suit and an Iranian flag pin, Pahlavi passionately spoke about the end of an era. “This is our moment,” he said, likening the situation to the fall of the Berlin Wall and positioning himself as a potential president seeking power. Exiled for nearly fifty years, he has never ceased criticizing the religious regime and calling for change. Despite being seen by many abroad as a principled leader embodying the vision of a democratic rebirth, his name often provokes skepticism or even aversion within Iran. Analysts and citizens view him as disconnected from the realities of a country living under oppressive rule. His inability to return home and unify opposition forces highlights an image more of exile than future leader. Concerns persist about the consequences of this crisis. Fears of a more oppressive or fragmented Iran linger. However, Pahlavi insists: “Do not fear the day after the end of the Islamic Republic” and promises stability and peace. If his vision becomes reality, Reza Pahlavi will be remembered as the man who helped Iran break its chains. But if he fails, he’ll remain a symbol of a lost opportunity for a freedom-thirsty nation. The heavy legacy of the Pahlavi dynasty looms large over him.