reported from the source

Quick summary: Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Iranian shah, has called for international support to help protesters in Iran, expressing confidence that the Islamic Republic will eventually fall. He urged the targeting of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leadership and proposed measures to increase pressure on the Iranian government.

Reza Pahlavi, a US-based opposition leader and the exiled son of the last Iranian shah, has called on the international community to assist protesters in Iran in their efforts to overthrow the government. He stated, “the Islamic Republic will fall – not if, but when,” and emphasized the need to target Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leadership to facilitate this task and prevent further loss of life. According to a human rights group, over 2,600 protesters have been killed since demonstrations began on December 28, initially sparked by economic issues and evolving into calls for the end of Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei’s rule. The Iranian government has labeled the protests as “riots” instigated by foreign adversaries. Pahlavi has gained prominence within Iran’s fragmented opposition and has previously encouraged the escalation of protests. However, demonstrators have faced violent crackdowns, compounded by a near-total internet shutdown. At a news conference in Washington, Pahlavi claimed that some members of Iran’s security forces have refrained from participating in the crackdown and alleged that foreign militia fighters have been deployed to suppress the protests. He called for a “surgical strike” against the Revolutionary Guards and their command infrastructure, alongside economic pressure, expulsion of Iranian diplomats, and the provision of satellite internet services to ensure connectivity in Iran. Pahlavi stated, “The Iranian people are taking decisive action on the ground. It is now time for the international community to join them fully,” asserting that the regime’s fall is inevitable, with or without global assistance. He refrained from discussing any talks with senior US officials but expressed belief in President Trump’s support for the Iranian people. Trump has previously warned Iran against harming protesters and indicated potential strong actions against the regime. Iran’s parliament speaker has cautioned that any US attack would make both Israel and US military targets in the region. The US and UK have reduced personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar as a precautionary measure. Pahlavi also expressed his intention to return to Iran and proposed a new constitutional framework based on principles of territorial integrity, separation of religion and state, individual liberties, and democratic governance. He noted that the decision on future leadership should rest with the Iranian people. The current protests began with shopkeepers in Tehran striking over rising living costs and currency devaluation, quickly escalating into widespread dissent against the clerical establishment. Demonstrators have chanted slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Seyyed Ali [Khamenei] will be toppled this year.” The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reports at least 2,677 confirmed deaths and over 19,000 arrests, with the Iranian government imposing an internet blackout since January 8. Reporting from inside Iran remains challenging for international media, including the BBC. Residents in several cities reported no ongoing protests, although security forces continue to maintain a presence in public areas.

Source: www.bbc.com