“Agent of change”: Pahlavi wants to return to Iran

He wanted to serve the people, that was his promise to his compatriots, “and that’s why they trust me and have called me.” Pahlavi, whom his authoritarian father, the last Shah of Persia, once appointed crown prince, has been living in exile in the USA for decades. During the recent mass protests, he claimed a leadership role from abroad in the fractious and fragmented Iranian opposition.

Pahlavi sees his own role as a supporter of this movement legitimized by the population. “Millions of people took to the streets, all over Iran. Millions shouted my name, shouted: Pahlavi, come back!” Pahlavi said on ARD’s “Tagesthemen”. His name was also written on walls. “I don’t know how much more proof you need to see that I do indeed have the support of millions of my compatriots.”

No recognized organized opposition force

There has been no recognized organized opposition force in Iran for years. Many opponents of the ruling system therefore rely on international support. During current demonstrations, the slogan “Long live the king” was shouted several times – a direct reference to Pahlavi. However, it is difficult to estimate how great his actual influence is in the country – because his role remains controversial. While some see him as a beacon of hope, others criticize the lack of political transparency and the confrontational style of his supporters.

Pahlavi emphasized that he wanted to return to his home country as quickly as possible. “I’m working on how to get there, but I want to be there, even before the regime collapses, if possible.” However, it is completely unclear whether Pahlavi will be allowed to enter the country at all and what consequences he would face as an opposition politician.

He said the Iranian people are determined to bring an end to the authoritarian system of rule. “I don’t call this protest anymore, it’s a real revolution of a nation that is fed up with 46 years of religious dictatorship and tyranny.” There is no going back. “We are all determined to liberate our country, and we only hope that the free world will come to our aid.”

“War by all means”: Iran threatens USA

Iran has threatened the US with “war by all means” in the event of an attack in view of the deployment of a US aircraft carrier group to the region. “If the Americans violate Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond,” a senior administration official, who declined to be named, said on Friday. He left it open what an Iranian response might look like.

The military is prepared for the worst scenario, which is why everything in Iran is on high alert. Iran is under constant military threat from the US and has no choice but to strike back, the Iranian government official said.