As the Islamic Republic faces its greatest leadership crisis since 1979, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah, has declared his readiness to lead the country out of the current conflict.
Pahlavi’s announcement comes amid "Operation Epic Fury," the ongoing military campaign by the U.S. and Israel targeting Iranian leadership and military infrastructure.
Speaking via his 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account, Pahlavi told followers, “The Iranian people have called on me to lead the transition... I have accepted that responsibility.”
Pahlavi, who has lived in exile for nearly five decades, frames himself as a "bridge" to a secular government that separates religion from the state.
The Prince issued a renewed call for Iranian security forces to defect and join the people, arguing that any attempt by the current regime to appoint a new Supreme Leader is "doomed to fail."
Reports indicate Pahlavi has been in contact with the Trump administration, though President Trump has expressed that the ultimate choice of leadership belongs solely to the Iranian public.
