Iranian Judiciary Opens Case Against Reza Pahlavi; Accused of Collaborating with “Hostile States”
The spokesman for the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic announced today, Saturday, July 18, the opening of a legal case against Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, at Tehran’s prosecution office. Asghar Jahangiri stated that the case was opened following an indictment by the General Prosecutor’s Office and in connection with allegations including “cooperation with Israel” and “actions against the Iranian nation”—claims to which Reza Pahlavi has not yet publicly responded.
Asghar Jahangiri, spokesman for the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic, announced today, Saturday, July 18, at his weekly press conference that following an indictment by the General Prosecutor’s Office, a case has been opened at Tehran’s prosecution office against Reza Pahlavi and several other individuals who, according to him, have cooperated with Israel and “hostile states.”
Jahangiri claimed that these cases were opened in connection with events referred to as the “12-Day War” and the “Ramadan War,” and that the individuals mentioned therein are being prosecuted on charges including “cooperation with hostile states, espionage, cooperation with foreign intelligence services, inciting people to violence, war and murder, directing terrorist networks, participation in murder, sabotage of infrastructure, financing terrorism, and damaging the country’s economy.” He also claimed that these individuals are accused of actions against Iran’s territorial integrity and attacks on infrastructure and military centers, and that the investigation of these cases is proceeding according to Islamic Republic law.
The judiciary’s spokesman also said: “Individuals who have cooperated with hostile states are considered criminals from the perspective of international law, and the judicial system is pursuing this matter.” He further claimed that what he referred to as the “enemy” has been attempting to bring Reza Pahlavi to the throne through a “third coup.” He also made another claim, stating: “Israel has been concerned about the birth of Prince Reza Pahlavi since the moment of his birth.”
As of the publication of this report, Reza Pahlavi and his media office have not released an official response to the judiciary spokesman’s statements today or the opening of this case.
The announcement of this case opening comes at a time when Reza Pahlavi has had a prominent presence in international circles in recent months and has defended increased political and diplomatic pressure on the Islamic Republic and support for the demands of Iranian protesters in various discussions and press conferences.
In recent years, Islamic Republic officials have repeatedly accused Reza Pahlavi of cooperation with foreign governments and support for actions against the Islamic Republic—accusations that he has consistently rejected, emphasizing that his goal is to support a peaceful transition to democratic governance in Iran.
