Exiled crown prince urges Iranian military to defect as "decisive moments" approach
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, has issued a strategic appeal to the Iranian people and armed forces, declaring that the Islamic Republic is nearing a state of total collapse.
In a public address, Pahlavi confirmed that promised humanitarian assistance from the United States has begun to arrive. He clarified that this intervention specifically targets the regime’s "apparatus of repression" rather than the Iranian nation itself.
"The final victory will be won by us," Pahlavi stated, emphasizing that internal mobilization remains the primary driver of change. He urged citizens to remain prepared for a "final action" in the streets at the appropriate moment.
Appeal to the armed forces
Pahlavi issued a direct ultimatum to Iran’s military and security services, calling on them to honor their oath to the nation rather than the current leadership. He warned that continued loyalty to the regime would result in their downfall alongside Supreme Leader Khamenei.
"Your duty is to defend the people, not a regime that has held our homeland hostage through crime and oppression," Pahlavi asserted. He urged soldiers to align with the sovereign will of the people to ensure their survival in a post-regime Iran.
The exiled leader also called for "maximum prudence" from international partners to protect civilian lives. He positioned the Iranian populace as a "natural ally of the free world" in the ongoing struggle for regional stability.
My dear compatriots,
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) February 28, 2026
Decisive moments lie before us.
The assistance that the President of the United States had promised to the brave people of Iran has now arrived. This is a humanitarian intervention, and its target is the Islamic Republic, its apparatus of repression, and… https://t.co/YAq3rJLzdd pic.twitter.com/VVQ17mvhJ9
A legacy in exile
Living in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Reza Pahlavi remains a central figure for the Iranian diaspora. While his lineage links him to the monarchy, his recent platforms have consistently advocated for a democratic referendum to determine Iran's future governance.
Though he holds no official diplomatic rank, Pahlavi’s influence as a secular opposition voice continues to shape international discourse regarding the legitimacy of the Tehran administration.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
