Exiled Iranian Prince Backs U.S.-Israel Strikes, Urges Citizens to Rise Against Regime

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has endorsed the ongoing joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran, describing them as a form of “humanitarian intervention” aimed at dismantling the country’s ruling clerical establishment.

In a strongly worded statement released on social media, Pahlavi characterized the strikes as long-promised assistance to the Iranian people rather than an attack on the nation itself. He framed the operation as targeting what he called the Islamic Republic’s “repressive apparatus” and not the Iranian population.

“The aid that the President of the United States promised to the brave people of Iran has now arrived,” Pahlavi wrote. “This is a humanitarian intervention; its target is the Islamic Republic, not the country and great nation of Iran.”

Pahlavi also praised U.S. President Donald Trump, thanking him for what he described as support for Iranians seeking change. However, he urged Washington to take every possible precaution to minimize civilian casualties.

Calling the current moment a turning point, the exiled prince declared that the Islamic Republic was “collapsing” and appealed directly to Iran’s military, police, and security forces to withdraw their loyalty from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

“You have sworn an oath to protect Iran and its people, not a regime that has held the country hostage,” he stated, warning that those who remain aligned with the leadership risk “going down with Khamenei’s sinking ship.”

Pahlavi stopped short of calling for immediate nationwide demonstrations but suggested that large-scale protests could resume soon. He advised citizens to remain alert and await what he described as the “appropriate time” to return to the streets.

“Moments of destiny lie ahead,” he said, expressing confidence that Iranians themselves would ultimately determine the country’s future. “We are very close to final victory.”

He further indicated that he would continue communicating with supporters even if authorities attempted to restrict internet or satellite services measures previously employed during periods of unrest.

Pahlavi’s remarks echo past opposition efforts to encourage defections within Iran’s security establishment, a factor analysts say could prove decisive in shaping the country’s political trajectory amid escalating tensions.