Washington, DC – The son of Iran’s deposed Shah, who resides in the United States, called on members of the Iranian security forces to “stand with the people” as protests continue and spread across the country amid the country’s deteriorating political and economic situation.
In a message posted on social media, Reza Pahlavi said the current moment requires members of the military and security services to take a “historic and moral” stance. He emphasized that the Iranian people are demanding their legitimate rights and a future free from oppression and violence. He added that siding with the citizens would spare the country further division and bloodshed.
This call comes at a time of escalating tensions in Iran. It coincides with human rights reports of deaths and widespread arrests among protesters, amid growing international criticism of the authorities’ handling of the demonstrations.
In the same vein, Pahlavi stressed that change in Iran is “inevitable.” He called on the international community to support the demands of the Iranian people and not to stand by what he described as the “systematic repression” of the protesters.
Observers believe that the statements of the deposed Shah’s son reflect an attempt to refocus attention on the popular movement within Iran, especially given the increasing external pressures and growing Iranian activism abroad, despite the restrictions imposed by some countries on anti-Tehran demonstrations.
