Exiled Son of Iran’s Last Shah Calls for Coordinated Anti-Government Protests

The exiled son of Iran’s last shah has called for coordinated anti-government protests inside the country to align with demonstrations planned in Germany and other countries, as he prepares to speak at the Munich Security Conference.

Reza Pahlavi, who has lived in the United States since leaving Iran ahead of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that toppled the monarchy, urged supporters to stage protests on Saturday in Munich, Toronto and Los Angeles. He said the aim is to press for stronger international action on Iran.

In a post on X on Thursday, Pahlavi called on Iranians inside the country to chant slogans from their homes and rooftops. Street protests that peaked in January were met with a harsh crackdown by authorities. Rights groups say thousands were killed in the suppression.

Pahlavi said members of the Iranian diaspora would demonstrate on Saturday to “mobilize greater international support” for what he described as Iran’s “Lion and Sun Revolution,” a reference to the emblem of the former imperial flag.

“In this spirit, I call on you on February 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. to raise your voices from your homes and rooftops,” he said. “Make your demands heard. Show unity. With unbreakable determination, we will prevail over this occupying regime.”

Pahlavi is scheduled to address the Munich Security Conference on Friday, a rare opportunity for him to speak at a major international forum.

Videos verified by AFP showed people chanting anti-government slogans during this week’s anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, despite tight security measures.

According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 7,005 people have been killed in the crackdown, most of them protesters. Rights groups caution that the true toll is likely higher.

Iranian authorities have blamed the violence on what they describe as “rioters” and have accused their sworn enemies, the United States and Israel, of instigating unrest.

In June, Israel fought a 12-day war against Iran.

Many demonstrations have included calls for the restoration of the monarchy. Pahlavi, 65, has said he is prepared to help lead a democratic transition in Iran.