Prince Pahlavi’s Call and Mapping the Continuation of National Uprising

Prince Pahlavi issued a new call for today and the continuation of the national uprising against the repressive apparatus.

In continuation of Iran’s nationwide uprising and coinciding with the expansion of night protests in various cities, Prince Reza Pahlavi, through successive calls, has sought to guide popular protests along a coordinated, safe, and inclusive path. These calls, which have been met with broad reception from segments of society and extensive coverage in media and social networks, emphasize collective presence, avoiding fragmentation, and protecting the lives of protesters.

In his latest message, Prince Pahlavi, while referring to the widespread presence of people on the streets for the third consecutive night, spoke of a serious weakening of the Islamic Republic’s repressive apparatus and declared that, based on credible reports, the government faces a severe shortage of forces to contain millions of protesting people.

According to him, signs of military and security forces abandoning their posts or refusing suppression orders are also being observed, a matter that could seriously alter the balance of power.

Within this framework, Prince Reza Pahlavi once again emphasized his call for presence on the streets on today, Sunday, January 11, corresponding to December 21 on the Persian calendar, and by providing specific recommendations, sought to reduce potential dangers for protesters.

He also pointed to the broad support of Iranians abroad and the growing alignment of global public opinion with the protests of the Iranian people, and spoke of the role of international political support, particularly from the United States.

In his call message for today, he said:

“My compatriots!

By your widespread and brave presence on streets across Iran for the third consecutive night, you have weakened Khamenei’s repressive apparatus and his regime. I have received credible reports showing that the Islamic Republic faces a severe shortage of forces to confront millions of people on the streets, and to date, many military and security forces have abandoned their posts or refused orders to suppress the people. What remains for Khamenei is only a mercenary and savage minority who, like their murderous leader, are un-Iranian and anti-Iranian, and consider the great Iranian nation as their enemy. Be assured they will face the consequences of their actions.

While reiterating my second call for 6 p.m. today, Sunday (21st of December), I ask all of you to go to the main streets of cities in groups with friends and family members; along the way, do not separate from each other and the crowd, and do not go to side streets that could endanger your lives.

Know that you are not alone. Your compatriots throughout the world are proudly voicing your cause, and you will surely see images of their extensive and numerous presence on television. The world today stands with your national revolution and admires your courage. In particular, President Trump, as the leader of the free world, has carefully observed your indescribable bravery and declared that he is ready to help you.

Do not abandon the streets; my heart and soul are with you. I know that soon I will be beside you.”

Prince Pahlavi’s recent calls are perceived by many protesters as an indication of an effort to establish comprehensive and national political leadership during a transitional period; leadership that emphasizes civil action, social solidarity, and avoidance of blind violence. In circumstances where the Islamic Republic faces a crisis of legitimacy and erosion of repressive capacity, the street has become, more than ever, the primary locus of transformation and the arena determining Iran’s future fate.