The Identity of Reza Pahlavi: Former Iranian Crown Prince Inspiring National Protests

Reza Pahlavi, offspring of Iran's dethroned monarch Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, addressed the media in Paris on Monday, June 23, 2025.

As demonstrations have enveloped the Islamic Republic of Iran for nearly two weeks, the regime acknowledged the unrest while escalating its suppression tactics.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency based in the U.S., government security forces and protestors have clashed, resulting in at least 116 deaths up till Sunday. Additionally, over 2,600 people have been taken into custody. Among those urging continuous protest against the Iranian regime is Reza Pahlavi, who consistently releases messages pushing for protester engagement.

Iran's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, declared Saturday that anyone participating in unrest could be charged as an 'enemy of God,' a grave accusation which can lead to capital punishment. This was reported by Iranian state TV.

These latest protests emerged following a drastic drop in the national currency, the rial. Trading at more than 1.4 million to each U.S. dollar, the rial has lost half its worth since September. The economic pressures due to global sanctions have led to widespread grievances and direct challenges to Iran's ruling theocracy.

The authorities have responded with a mobilization of security and a state media campaign. While state television has showcased pro-government gatherings, government-associated media outlets have released surveillance footage allegedly showing protestors engaging in aggressive acts in Isfahan. The Tasnim news agency, which has ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, reported the detention of around 200 individuals from supposed 'terrorist teams,' along with claims these groups held firearms and other weaponry.

In this climate of unrest, 65-year-old Reza Pahlavi, living in exile, has resurfaced as a pivotal figure in opposition circles. His social media communications encouraged Iranians to showcase their dissent, using symbols like the old lion-and-sun flag emblematic of his father's era. He motivated participants to assert their presence in public places over the weekend.

Despite his birth in Tehran in 1960, Pahlavi has been living in exile for roughly half a century. Initially recognized as Iran's crown prince, his status changed with the fall of his father. The Shah had gained power partly through foreign influence, and despite profiting from the oil boom of the 70s, his rule saw widening economic disparities and a feared Savak intelligence service infamous for human rights abuses.

The Pahlavi rule ended dramatically in 1979 when mass protests unified disparate groups against the Shah. Reza Pahlavi had relocated in 1978 for aviation training in Texas and was abroad when the revolution took root, establishing a theocratic regime under Shiite leaders. After his father's passing, a ceremonial representation declared Reza Pahlavi as the new Shah on his 20th birthday, October 31, 1980.

Pahlavi's ambitions for a notable role in Iran's future often ignite lively debates. Protesters have sometimes chanted in favor of the Shah, but the extent to which this supports Reza Pahlavi or reflects a wish to reverse the 1979 revolution remains uncertain.

His political stance, particularly supportive of Israel, has sparked controversy among Iranians and dissenters, especially after Israel's brief conflict in June 2025. Pahlavi utilizes platforms like social media and Farsi-language broadcasters like Iran International to amplify his messages for protest. He has broached the possibility of a constitutional monarchy featuring elected officials, yet emphasizes the ultimate choice rests with Iranians.