The international political board does not rest. After the capture of the former Chavista leader and lady, Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Floresthe uprisings in the Middle East have shaken the region of Iran. The regime of the ayatollahs, with Ali Jamenei at the controls, is reeling after two weeks of civil protests across the country. And the crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlaviseeks to increase tensions, which already leave almost 500 fatalitiesaccording to the American human rights organization HRANA.
Pahlavi65 years old. Son of the last shah -emperor- of Persia, he has been exiled in the United States for several decades. The last time he set foot on Iranian soil he was 17 years old. His departure was not encouraged by the Islamic Revolution of 1979which occurred the following year, but for his training in the Armed forces Americans.
The eldest son of the shah overthrown by the Islamic Revolution of the late 70s stated in a message on social networks that participation in the recent protests had been “unprecedented” and that he had received reports that the “regime is deeply scared and is trying, once again, to cut off internet access” to stop the demonstrations, something that happened on Thursday night, according to the BBC.
Continuing along this line, Pahlavi once again encouraged protests on this Sunday. He assures that he has received “reliable information” indicating that the Islamic Republic begins to run out of “mercenaries” to confront the “millions of people” who are protesting. It is already the third consecutive day without internet in the country, according to Efe.
Destined to rule
Pahlavi He was destined to govern Iran, but he has not lived there for almost half a century. However, it has once again jumped onto the international scene, given that, after the two weeks of protests in which the Persian country is involved, it has once again presented itself as an alternative in case there was a change of regime.
Born in Tehran, the capital, he is the eldest son of the last leader of the Pahlavi dynasty, the Shah Mohamed Reza Pahlavi. He ruled Iran, with the approval of the United States, between 1941 and 1979. Afterwards, the Islamic Revolution that currently governs the country broke out.
Since the 80s, Pahlavi He has become one of the most visible and critical faces against the Ayatollah regime, currently led by Ali Khamenei since 1989.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameni during a meeting in Tehran last week.
Sons / Reuters
“Regime change”
During the crisis unleashed last year by the war between Israel and Iran, as well as the attack by USA to Iranian nuclear facilities, Pahlavi He assured that it was a unique opportunity to advance “regime change” in Tehran. A mantra that he preaches to this day.
In his opinion, the crown prince considers that the Islamic Republic “is in its weakest position” after the Israeli attacks and Trump having said in recent days that he will intervene in Iran if the uprisings continue.
But he has been away from those riots for more than half his life. At 10,000 kilometers. In a quiet suburb. since 17lives in the US capital, Washington D.C.. There, those who know him best describe him as a discreet and accessible person, who frequents local cafes, often accompanied by his wife, Yasmineand without security around him.
“subject” republic
In a video posted on X, Reza Pahlavi He stated that the Islamic Republic would be “subdued.” He urged the population to take the center of their cities and stated that he was preparing to return to Iran soon.
As our brave compatriots take over the streets across Iran for the second consecutive night, I have a message for Iranians abroad on the important role they have to play in these fateful hours and days. https://t.co/aXNB8jOiyb
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 9, 2026
“Our goal is no longer simply to take to the streets; the goal is to prepare to take city centers and hold them“added the exile.
Trump said Thursday that he was not willing to meet with Pahlavia sign that he was waiting to see how the crisis unfolds before endorsing an opposition leader.
Selective internet fencing
The internet shutdown in Iran after two weeks of protests has continued for more than 48 hours. With this blackout, 90% of internet traffic to Iran evaporated, according to reports The Guardian. International calls to the country seemed blocked and domestic cell phones had no serviceas detailed by digital rights expert Amir Rashidi.
But this blackout has been selective. As Iranians across the nation were suddenly left without internet access, the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Jameneicontinued publishing tweets on his X profile. And it has not been once or twice, but 12. In fact, he has attacked the president of the United States, Donald Trumpand his action to capture Maduro in Venezuela.