Reza Pahlavi Declares ‘Final Victory Near’ Following US-Israel Strikes on Iran

PARIS, 28 February 2026 – Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, has called on his compatriots to prepare for the collapse of the Islamic Republic, describing recent military interventions as a “decisive moment” for the nation’s future.

Following a series of major air strikes conducted by United States and Israeli forces against Iranian targets on the morning of Saturday 28 February, the eldest son of the late Shah issued a series of urgent communications from his base in exile. Pahlavi characterised the military action as a “humanitarian intervention” intended to weaken the clerical regime’s grip on power rather than an act of war against the Iranian people.

A Call to the Armed Forces

In a televised address and statements shared via social media, Pahlavi directed a specific message to the Iranian military and security services. He urged personnel to abandon their support for the current leadership, stating, “You swore to defend Iran and the Iranian people – not to defend the Islamic Republic and its leaders.”

While the Crown Prince expressed confidence that the regime is on its “last leg” due to a combination of economic sanctions and internal unrest, he advised citizens inside Iran to remain calm and stay in their homes for the immediate duration of the strikes. He emphasised that the goal is to be “ready” for a coordinated return to the streets once the immediate military volatility subsides.

Historical Context and Political Standing

Born in Tehran in 1960, Reza Pahlavi was officially named Crown Prince in 1967. His life in exile began following the 1979 Islamic Revolution which overthrew his father, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. For decades, he has remained a spectral but persistent figure in Iranian opposition politics, often bridging the gap between the pre-revolutionary past and the democratic aspirations of the diaspora.

Despite his royal lineage, Pahlavi has frequently stated that he does not seek to restore the absolute monarchy, but rather to facilitate a transition to a secular democracy where the form of government is decided by a national referendum. However, his recent alignment with Western military actions and his ties to various international administrations remain a point of contention among some Kurdish and leftist opposition groups.

Key Figures of the Pahlavi Dynasty

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Reza Pahlavi currently reside?

Reza Pahlavi has lived in exile since 1979, primarily residing in the United States, where he coordinates with the Iranian diaspora and international political leaders.

What is his stance on military intervention in Iran?

As of February 2026, Pahlavi has described targeted strikes against regime infrastructure as “humanitarian intervention,” arguing they serve to liberate the Iranian people from the current clerical rule.

Does he intend to become the next King of Iran?

Pahlavi has consistently stated that his primary goal is the establishment of a secular democracy. He maintains that the Iranian people should choose their own form of government, though he remains a symbolic leader for the “Royalist” faction of the opposition.