Who is Reza Pahlavi? The exiled prince urging Iranians to ‘seize cities’

• What happened: Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi called on citizens to seize city centres in a bold shift from previous nonviolent advocacy.

• Why it matters now: His statement comes amid widespread antigovernment protests, escalating tensions with Tehran labeling the calls as “terrorism.”

• What changes for people: Iranians may face heightened crackdowns, strikes, and unrest in major urban areas.

• Who is affected: Iranian citizens, security forces, and opposition groups are directly impacted by potential clashes and civil unrest.

Reza Pahlavi escalates opposition calls amid Iran protests

Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi, 65, has dramatically shifted his approach, urging citizens to occupy city centres and prepare for his return. Known for decades as a proponent of nonviolent reform, Pahlavi’s latest statements mark a rare move toward direct action against the Iranian government.

Born in Tehran on October 31, 1960, Pahlavi was crown prince before the 1979 revolution toppled the monarchy. He trained as a fighter pilot in the US and earned a degree in political science, living in exile ever since. His recent calls include urging nationwide strikes in key sectors and appealing to former imperial forces to join his efforts.

Iranian state media condemned his statements, framing them as armed terrorist activity and attributing unrest to alleged foreign interference. Experts note Pahlavi’s popularity on the streets is tempered by internal opposition divisions and accusations of targeting other dissidents.

As Iran faces some of its largest antigovernment protests in years, Pahlavi’s push marks a critical escalation in opposition tactics, with both the government and citizens watching developments closely.