Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former monarch, has called on Iranian citizens to engage in widespread civil disobedience, claiming the Islamic Republic is at its most vulnerable point after decades of corruption and mismanagement.
In a video message released amid escalating regional tensions and deadly Israeli airstrikes on Iranian cities, Pahlavi declared that the regime’s collapse could only be brought about by the collective action of the Iranian people.
“Iran belongs to you, and reclaiming it is in your hands,” he said, addressing Iranians directly.
Pahlavi encouraged citizens to participate in non-violent forms of resistance, including not showing up for work, reducing productivity, or arriving late to their jobs, suggesting such acts of non-cooperation could hasten the regime’s downfall.
He also appealed to members of Iran’s police and security forces, urging them to break ranks with the Islamic Republic and join the people.
Pahlavi, who resides in exile, has long been a vocal critic of the Iranian regime. In his message, he expressed confidence that national unity and civil resistance would ultimately bring about change.
