Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, says the Islamic republic is finished and calls for a transition after the reported death of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
WASHINGTON: The son of Iran’s late shah declared the Islamic republic effectively over following the reported killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Reza Pahlavi said the regime that replaced his pro-Western father would soon be consigned to the dustbin of history.
“With his death, the Islamic Republic has effectively come to an end and will soon be consigned to the dustbin of history,” Pahlavi wrote on social media platform X.
He warned against appointing a successor and called on Iran’s security forces to join a transition.
“To the military, security and police forces — any effort to prop up a collapsing regime is doomed to defeat,” he said.
Pahlavi, who has presented himself as a transitional figure, called on Iranians to remain vigilant.
He does not enjoy support from all factions of the opposition.
“The time for a massive and decisive presence in the streets is very near,” Pahlavi stated.
“Together, united and steadfast, we will secure the final victory, and we will celebrate Iran’s freedom across our homeland created by Ahura,” he said, invoking Iran’s pre-Islamic Zoroastrian heritage.
