Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, has declared that he is prepared to lead the country if the current government collapses following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Pahlavi, who has lived in exile for decades, said he has accepted what he described as a call from many Iranians to guide the nation through a political transition. He made the remarks in a video message shared on social media, where he outlined his vision for a post-government transition in the country.
The exiled figure is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s last monarch who was removed from power during the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Since leaving Iran, Pahlavi has remained one of the most outspoken critics of the country’s current leadership.
Over the years, he has repeatedly encouraged public protests against the Islamic Republic and called for the removal of the existing ruling system. Pahlavi has also advocated for Iran to rebuild stronger diplomatic ties with Western nations and Israel if political change occurs.
Reports indicate that Khamenei was killed during military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel inside Iran. His death has created uncertainty over the country’s political future.
According to Iranian law, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting a new supreme leader. However, no successor has been announced so far.
In the meantime, Iran is reportedly being governed by a temporary leadership council consisting of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council.
In his message, Pahlavi accused Iran’s current leadership of fueling instability across the Middle East for decades.
“For nearly five decades, this terrorist regime has brought chaos and bloodshed across our region,” he said.
He added that many Iranians have urged him to take responsibility during a potential transition period.
“I have accepted that responsibility. My goal is to restore stability and allow Iranians to determine their future through free and fair elections,” Pahlavi stated.
Pahlavi also called on Arab nations to support a future transitional government in Iran and cooperate with it if political change eventually takes place.