Prince Reza Pahlavi: We are not against religion

Prince Reza Pahlavi declared in a statement: "We do not have a problem with religion, we have a problem with theocracy."

Amid widespread protests in Iran, Reza Pahlavi, the leader of the opposition abroad, once again emphasized the separation of citizens' religious beliefs from the structure of governance, and insists that opposing the Islamic Republic does not mean opposing religion.

In his recent remarks that have gone viral again, Reza Pahlavi said: "The Islamic Republic wants to scare people by saying that we are against religion, we have no problem with religion, we have a problem with the religious government. Otherwise, everyone is free to have any religion they want."

This position has been reiterated by him many times over the years, especially in his conversations with the media and in official statements. In numerous interviews and speeches, Pahlavi has emphasized that the separation of religion and state is one of the fundamental principles of his democratic vision for Iran.

He has said in several speeches and public messages: "The regime ruling Iran fears the separation of religion and state and claims that those who want secularism are against religion, which is not true."

He insists that, in his opinion, the separation of religion from the state is for the benefit of religion and believers themselves, not against them. Pahlavi has also said that, contrary to what the Islamic Republic government says, he is not against religious freedom and believes that citizens should enjoy freedom of faith and belief within the framework of the law.

This view is in line with his effort to present himself as a national, democratic, and inclusive voice for Iranians who are fighting not only against repression and corruption, but also against the current "theocracy."

Pahlavi has repeatedly conveyed to his Christian, Muslim, and other religious audiences in Iran that opposition to the ruling regime should not be interpreted as opposition to faith. In interviews and messages that have been covered by the global media, he has emphasized that: “The repression of religious minorities in Iran, from Zoroastrians to Christians, Baha’is, and Sunnis, is a serious problem in the government, not in the beliefs of the people. Religious freedom, freedom to seek justice, and political freedom are all part of a broader vision for the Iran of tomorrow.”

He has also stated in conversations with international media, including an interview with CBN News, that the Iranian people are seeking true freedom despite restrictions and repression, and emphasized that the growth of other faiths, including Christianity, is increasing in Iran, which is itself a symbol of the desire for religious freedom.

Reza Pahlavi's positions on religion and government, especially for a Christian audience and global freedom-seekers, have multiple messages:

• He tries to show that opposition to the power structure in Iran is not anti-religion, but anti-religious dictatorship.
• This distinction can be understandable and acceptable to people who are concerned about the future of religion in Iran.
• The emphasis on religious freedoms, including the freedom of Christians and other minorities, could be of interest to Christian audiences, especially in light of numerous reports of repression of religious minorities in Iran.