Direct Message from Prince to Military Forces: A Historic Choice in the Midst of Uprising and Repression

Amid a nationwide uprising and widespread repression, Prince Pahlavi has delivered a direct message to Iran’s armed and security forces, emphasizing a historic choice between the people or their oppressors.

In recent days, profound political and social developments across Iran have reached a critical point. From nationwide protests that began on December 28, 2025, with economic grievances and expanded into political demands and widespread military and governmental change, to the harsh response of security and judicial forces, the situation has progressively tilted in favor of protest efforts and pressures against the Islamic Republic’s power structure.

In this context, Prince Pahlavi’s message to Iran’s armed and security forces reflects the desire of a segment of society and the opposition calling on these institutions to take a historic stance: standing alongside the people or alongside the government and oppressors.

In this statement, the Prince, referencing the historic role of the armed forces in defending the nation, emphasized that these institutions now stand at a fateful crossroads and stated: “This is a direct message to Iran’s armed and security forces; you who have worn the military uniform to defend the Iranian people! You now face a historic choice. In days when the brave and united people of Iran are making and writing history, my question to you is: on which side of history will you stand? Alongside the criminals, or alongside the people?

The other matter is not whether the Islamic Republic, this corrupt and oppressive regime, will fall or not; the question is only when it will fall, and that time is nearer than ever. In these fateful moments, I expect you to return to the embrace of the nation and use your weapons not to shoot at the people but to protect them. By doing so, you will not only fulfill your national duty, but also protect your own future and that of your families.”

Reza Pahlavi continued in his message: “Six months ago, I established the National Cooperation Platform as a secure channel for you to pledge allegiance to the people. Thousands of you registered on it. Now, with the renewed start of Iran’s national uprising and the high volume of new requests, this platform has been upgraded to ensure each of you receives an immediate response. If you had registered before and did not receive a response, I ask you to register again. Currently, scanning the QR code during a live broadcast on Iran International television remains the only safe way to register. This is your last opportunity to join the nation and separate your fate from the sinking ship of the Islamic Republic. Those who oppress the nation and those who shoot at the people should be assured they will be identified and punished. Those who stand alongside the Iranian people will be honored and celebrated nationally.”

The protests in Iran, which have spread across more than 27 provinces, demonstrate the depth of discontent and demand for structural change. Independent human rights reports document the use of live ammunition by security forces, widespread arrests, and attacks on hospitals, indicating that the protests are no longer limited to economic demands but have transformed into demands for political structural change.

In response, Islamic Republic officials have continued to implement severe repression and uncompromising warnings against protesters, with the judicial system emphasizing that there will be no leniency in dealing with “rioters,” indicating a continuation of the repressive approach.

Recent developments have also included an increase in deaths and injuries during protests, international pressure, and statements by foreign officials regarding Iran’s situation, demonstrating that this crisis is not merely a domestic issue but has resonated in the realms of human rights and geopolitics.

Ultimately, this message, while calling on the armed forces to return to the embrace of the nation and use their weapons to protect rather than suppress the people, is based on the belief that this choice is not only in the interest of Iran and its people, but can also protect the future fate of the armed forces and their families.