Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, speaking from exile, has issued one of his strongest appeals yet for Iranians to rise against the Islamic Republic.

In a Persian-language message posted on X minutes ago, he urged nationwide strikes in critical sectors such as transport, oil, gas, and energy, alongside mass protests on January 10–11, beginning at 6 p.m., with the explicit goal of seizing and holding city centres.

Pahlavi praised Iranians’ “courage and steadfastness” after Friday evening demonstrations, declaring that the regime’s leader is “trembling in fear” from hiding. His call to action included workers cutting off the regime’s financial lifelines, citizens mobilizing with flags and national symbols, protesters connecting crowds in central areas and preparing to stay overnight, and youth alongside defecting security forces intensifying disruption of repression.

He added: “I too am preparing to return to the homeland so that at the time of our national revolution’s victory, I can be beside you. I believe that day is very near.”

The appeal comes amid escalating protests across Iran following crackdowns, with Pahlavi framing the moment as the final push to bring the Islamic Republic “to its knees.”

Reza Pahlavi – Background

Born in 1960, Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and Empress Farah Pahlavi. Exiled since the 1979 Revolution, he has become the most prominent figure in the Iranian opposition, advocating for a secular, democratic Iran.

• Educated in the U.S., trained as a fighter pilot, and graduated in political science from USC.
• Since the 1980s, he has promoted non-violent regime change through civil disobedience, strikes, and mass protests.
• Supports a referendum for Iranians to decide their future system—monarchy or republic.
• Founded the National Council of Iran in 2013 as an exile umbrella group.
• Active on social media, especially X (@PahlaviReza), with millions of followers inside and outside Iran.

He has supported major protest movements, including the 2009 Green Movement, the 2017–2018 demonstrations, and the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom uprising after Mahsa Amini’s death. His current stance in 2026 is the most direct yet, calling for strikes, mass occupations of city centres, and defections from security forces.