‘I’m prepared to return’: Reza Pahlavi backs Iran protesters as unrest enters third week

Pahlavi signals return amid Iran unrest

Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s ousted shah, said on Sunday that he is ready to return to Iran and lead a transition toward a democratic system, as nationwide anti-government protests continue to grip the country.

Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Pahlavi said, “I'm prepared to return to Iran at the first possible opportunity. I'm already planning on that.” He added that his role would be to oversee a transparent transition process. “My job is to lead this transition to make sure that no stone is left unturned, that in full transparency, people have an opportunity to elect their leaders freely and to decide their own future,” he said.

Earlier, the 65-year-old exiled former crown prince urged protesters to remain on the streets, praising their persistence as demonstrations entered a third consecutive night in several cities. In a video message posted on X, Pahlavi said the protests had significantly weakened Iran’s ruling system and claimed security forces were struggling to contain the unrest.

“My compatriots, By your widespread and courageous presence in the streets across Iran for the third consecutive night, you have severely weakened Khamenei's repressive apparatus and his regime. Reliable reports have reached me indicating that the Islamic Republic is facing a severe shortage of mercenaries to confront the millions of people in the streets, and so far many armed and security forces have left their workplaces or disobeyed orders to suppress the people,” he said.

بدانید که تنها نیستید. هم‌میهنان‌تان در سراسر جهان، صدای شما را با افتخار فریاد می‌زنند که حتما تصاویر حضور پرشمار و گسترده آنها را از طریق صفحه تلویزیون می‌بینید. دنیا امروز کنار انقلاب ملی شما ایستاده است و شهامت شما را تحسین می‌کند. به‌ویژه پرزیدنت ترامپ، به عنوان رهبر جهان… pic.twitter.com/D3JjErJ7QM

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— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 11, 2026

Pahlavi accused Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei of viewing ordinary Iranians as enemies, while relying on what he described as violent mercenaries. “What remains for Khamenei is a minority of violent mercenaries who, like their criminal leader, are non-Iranian and anti-Iranian, and consider you—the great nation of Iran—their enemy,” he said, calling on demonstrators to continue marching together on main streets and avoid isolated areas.

He also claimed strong international backing for the protests. “Know that you are not alone. Your compatriots around the world are proudly shouting your voice… The world today stands with your national revolution and admires your courage. In particular, President Trump, as the leader of the free world, has closely observed your indescribable bravery and has declared that he is ready to help you,” Pahlavi said.

Reiterating his determination to return, he concluded, “Do not abandon the streets. My heart is with you. I know that I will soon be by your side. We will take back Iran.”

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that US President Donald Trump has been briefed in recent days on a range of military options related to Iran. According to the report, the options include targeted strikes on select sites in Tehran, including non-military infrastructure linked to Iran’s internal security apparatus. The briefings were described as contingency planning as Washington weighs diplomatic, economic and military tools to deter further violence.

The current wave of protests began on December 28 after the Iranian rial collapsed to historic lows. Iranian authorities have blamed foreign interference for the unrest. Tasnim News Agency quoted a spokesperson for Iran’s Constitutional Council as saying that foreign actors exploited peaceful demonstrations to trigger violent riots.

Anti-government protests continued for a 14th straight day on Saturday, with security measures tightened as demonstrations spread across multiple cities. State media, including Press TV, reported that the Iranian leadership has accused the United States of fuelling unrest, claiming that foreign incitement transformed protests into violence in violation of international norms.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, wrote to the UN accusing Washington of bearing direct responsibility for “riots and violent acts” in Iran. He condemned what he called the United States’ “illegal behaviour” and alleged coordination with Israel through “threats, incitement, and deliberate encouragement of violence” aimed at undermining Iran’s stability.

In a separate statement reported by Tasnim, the Iranian Army warned that what it described as the “aggressive and evil US government” was plotting to regain dominance over the Iranian people.

(With inputs from agencies)