Who Is Reza Pahalvi? Son Of Iran's Last Shah And Exiled Crown Prince Back In Spotlight

Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 15:01 IST

Born in 1960, Reza Pahlavi has lived in exile for decades, mainly in the United States, after the monarchy collapsed and the Islamic Republic was established.

Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi (Credits: X)

Iran is witnessing protests across the country, with authorities imposing one of the toughest communication shutdowns in recent years. On Thursday, the government cut internet access and blocked international phone calls as demonstrations created massive unrest.

The protests were called by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was removed from power during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

While Reza Pahlavi does not lead the protests on the ground, he has come back into focus as the unrest in the country grows. Even from exile, he has emerged as a vocal critic of Iran’s Islamic Republic, repeatedly expressing support for protesters calling for political change, human rights and greater freedoms.

During the latest wave of unrest, Pahlavi called on Iranians to continue peaceful resistance and urged the international community to support the Iranian people rather than the ruling clerical establishment. He has framed the protests as a nationwide movement driven by economic hardship, repression and decades of unfulfilled promises, rather than loyalty to any single leader or ideology.

A day after the protest, Reza also took to X, posted a video, and said that he was proud of everyone who came out in protest.

“I am proud of each and every one of you who took over the streets across Iran on Thursday night (18 Dey). You saw how a massive crowd forces the repressive forces to retreat. Those of you who were hesitant, join your fellow compatriots on Friday night (19 Dey – 8 PM), and make the crowd even larger so that the regime’s repressive power becomes even weaker. I also invite field leaders to try to connect different crowd routes to each other and make them bigger. I know that despite the internet and communication cuts, you will not abandon the streets. Be assured that victory belongs to you!," he said.

Who Is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Iran’s last monarch, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Born in 1960, he has lived in exile for decades, mainly in the United States, after the monarchy collapsed and the Islamic Republic was established.

From abroad, Pahlavi has positioned himself as a vocal critic of Iran’s clerical leadership. He has repeatedly expressed support for protesters demanding political change, human rights and personal freedoms.

During recent unrest, he urged Iranians to continue peaceful resistance and appealed to the international community to support the Iranian people rather than the ruling establishment.

He has also framed the protests as a nationwide movement driven by economic hardship, repression and years of frustration, rather than loyalty to any single leader or ideology.

Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including the Israel-Iran conflict, Pahlavi has continued to call for a change of regime in Tehran. He has advocated a peaceful transition to a secular and democratic system, without directly seeking power himself.

About The Pahlavi Legacy

The Pahlavi dynasty ruled Iran for over 50 years. It began in 1925 when Reza Shah Pahlavi seized power and launched wide-ranging modernisation efforts. His son, Mohammad Reza Shah, ruled from 1941 until 1979, pursuing close ties with Western countries and introducing reforms such as land redistribution and expanded rights for women. While praised abroad, these policies faced strong resistance at home, eventually leading to the revolution that ended the monarchy in Iran.

Today, Reza Pahlavi remains a controversial yet recognisable figure in Iranian politics. He holds no formal authority, but his words continue to resonate among parts of the Iranian diaspora and some protesters whenever public anger erupts in Iran.

News world Who Is Reza Pahalvi? Son Of Iran's Last Shah And Exiled Crown Prince Back In Spotlight

Read More