The son of Iran’s former shah who lives in the US called on President Donald Trump to support the Iranian people, following Trump’s recent statement suggesting a change in power would benefit Iran. Reza Pahlavi, based in the US since the 1979 Islamic revolution, expressed the need to dismantle the current Islamic republic during the Munich Security Conference.
Supporters of Pahlavi, estimated at around 200,000, gathered outside the conference venue, urging world leaders to increase pressure on the Islamic republic following the violent crackdown on nationwide protests in January. Chanting “Javid shah” (long live the shah) and displaying flags featuring the emblem of the former monarchy, the crowd expressed their desire for regime change.
A protester, identified as Said, emphasized the need to end the current regime, labeling it as defunct. Pahlavi encouraged Iranians globally to continue protesting against the authorities, suggesting chants and demonstrations in solidarity with ongoing protests in Germany and other locations.
Trump’s comments on supporting a change in government in Iran were reiterated during the conference, with the deployment of an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East as a show of military force against Tehran. The US President had previously indicated willingness to intervene militarily to back the protests in Iran earlier this year.
In response, Pahlavi appealed to President Trump, conveying the Iranian people’s hope for assistance and emphasizing the necessity to dismantle the Islamic republic. He stressed the demands for change coming from the sacrifices made by Iranians, highlighting the need to support them in their quest to bring about a new era.
