Reza Pahlavi: The Islamic Republic is Hiding Behind Iran’s Name
Prince Reza Pahlavi, through the release of a message, held the Islamic Republic responsible for war, Iran’s isolation, and the destruction of the country, emphasizing that this government cannot whitewash four decades of its rule by taking refuge behind Iran’s name. He also, on the anniversary of Mohammad Reza Shah’s death, spoke of the necessity of “reclaiming Iran” and continuing the path toward freedom.
Prince Reza Pahlavi, in two separate messages, while sharply criticizing the Islamic Republic, considered this government to be the primary cause of Iran’s current crises and emphasized that the Islamic Republic should not be equated with the Iranian nation. He also, on the anniversary of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s death, while commending his father’s performance, called for the continuation of efforts to reclaim Iran from current rule.
In his first message, Reza Pahlavi, referring to what he called the Islamic Republic’s “vast apparatus of lies and propaganda,” said that the Iranian government, after decades of repression and mismanagement, is now attempting to present itself as a defender of national interests. He stated: “The Islamic Republic, with its vast apparatus of lies and propaganda, after 47 years of crimes against our nation and homeland, has once again taken shelter behind Iran’s name.”
Rejecting this narrative, he added: “It is the Islamic Republic that has imposed this war on Iran, and the responsibility lies with this regime and its open and hidden supporters.” According to him, those who remained silent or played a role over the past years in the face of poverty, corruption, discrimination, and the country’s destruction cannot today use Iran’s name to cleanse their past.
Prince Reza Pahlavi also made a distinction between the government and the Iranian nation, saying: “Just as the Nazi regime was not synonymous with the German people, the Islamic Republic is not synonymous with the Iranian nation. Iran is the Iranian people, not a regime that has built its survival on the destruction of the country.”
He further described nationalism as standing by the Iranian people and supporting their efforts to achieve freedom and prosperity, and asked his supporters to break “the regime’s censorship blockade” by following alternative media.
Reza Pahlavi, in another message released on the occasion of the 46th anniversary of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi’s death, remembered his father as a figure who continues to hold a special place in the historical memory of many Iranians. Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi died on August 26, 1980, at the age of 61 in Maadi Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Today, July 27, 2026, corresponds to August 26, 1405 (Persian calendar), the 46th anniversary of this late Shah of Iran’s death.
Reza Pahlavi, his son, wrote in this regard: “Forty-six years have passed since my father’s death, but today he is the most living political figure in the eyes of history and in the hearts of Iranians.” He also, referring to a statement attributed to “Majid Reza Rahnord,” one of the victims of the nationwide protests, added: “The flame of the Iranian nation’s love for him burns brighter every day. Just as the immortal “Majid Reza Rahnord” wrote on behalf of millions of young Iranians: ‘A generation fell in love with you, whom you never saw.'”
Prince Reza Pahlavi continued, describing Mohammad Reza Shah’s reign as a period of development and Iran’s movement toward progress, saying: “My father, with all his being, loved Iran. His heart beat with the nature of this land, and the falling of rain on Iran’s plains was the best and most beautiful news for him. At the age of 22, he took over the country under the difficult conditions of Allied occupation and, relying on patriotism, guided Iran toward the doors of great civilization. Had the tragedy of 1979 not diverted the course of our history, Iran today would be one of the most brilliant poles of prosperity and development in the world.”
At the end of this message, he once again emphasized the necessity of changing Iran’s current situation and wrote: “My fellow countrymen, if we believe in his path, we bear a great responsibility. To remain loyal to his vision, we must reclaim Iran from this wicked sect and rebuild it.”
These two messages were released at a time when Iran’s political atmosphere continues to be affected by internal tensions, security pressures, and economic crises, and various opposition movements against the Islamic Republic are presenting different views on the country’s political future.
