Indictment Issued Against Reza Pahlavi; Tehran Sends Heavy Security and Terrorism Charges to Court
The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office announced the issuance of an indictment against Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, on a series of security charges, including “corruption on earth,” “directing terrorist activities,” “cooperation with hostile states,” and “espionage.” The case, which has now been referred to court for proceedings, comes as international observers assess this move as the latest judicial confrontation by the Islamic Republic with one of the most prominent opposition figures outside the country.
The Tehran Prosecutor’s Office announced on Saturday that following the completion of judicial investigations into Reza Pahlavi, an indictment in this case has been issued and referred to the competent court for proceedings. According to Ali Salehi, the Tehran Prosecutor, the case was filed in the Special Office for International Affairs and is the result of an examination of a series of actions attributed to Reza Pahlavi in recent years, including protest events, incidents in December 2025, and developments related to the recent war.
Based on the prosecutor’s statement, the most significant charges against Reza Pahlavi include “corruption on earth through the formation and direction of organized networks,” “directing and organizing terrorist activities,” “cooperation with hostile states during times of hostility,” “espionage,” “complicity in crimes against persons and property,” “incitement to violence and rebellion,” as well as “propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic system.” Iranian judicial authorities have stated that the case has now entered the court review phase.
This is not the first time the Islamic Republic’s judicial system has brought charges against Reza Pahlavi. International media reported that the Tehran Prosecutor had also announced just days earlier a decision to prosecute him and a number of opposition media activists against the Islamic Republic, including individuals associated with Iran International and Manoto networks. According to the prosecutor, these individuals have been charged with “creating grounds for protests” and “inciting unrest.”
Europa Press reported that the Islamic Republic has pursued Reza Pahlavi on charges related to “security, terrorism, and organized crime,” and formally referred the case to court. The report also notes that Reza Pahlavi has lived outside Iran for years and is considered one of the prominent opposition figures against the Islamic Republic.
Meanwhile, Roya News described this move as largely “symbolic” and wrote that Reza Pahlavi has repeatedly supported anti-government protests in recent years and has called for a transition to a democratic system in Iran. The outlet also noted that any judicial action against him would face legal and practical obstacles, given his residence outside Iran.
As of the time of publication of this report, Reza Pahlavi has not issued a new formal response to the recent indictment. However, in recent months, he has repeatedly rejected the Islamic Republic’s charges and emphasized that his activities are aimed at supporting public protests and a peaceful transition to democratic governance in Iran.
