Many people in Iran are calling for the return of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last shah. But who is he, and how much support does he have?
Reza Pahlavi was born in 1960 in Tehran. As the only son, he was trained from a young age to inherit the throne. At 17, he went to Texas to train as a fighter pilot, but before he could return, the 1979 revolution swept away his father’s monarchy. Since then, he has lived in the U.S., where he studied political science and built a family.
In recent years, Pahlavi’s presence has grown stronger amid protests in Iran. After the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, he became a significant voice for change. He now presents himself not as a king but as a figure aiming for national reconciliation. He advocates for free elections and equal rights for women, suggesting that the people of Iran should decide their future, whether to restore the monarchy or establish a republic.
Critics have their doubts. They argue he remains too reliant on foreign support. Recent data show that many Iranians are skeptical of returning exiled leaders. A 2023 survey indicated that trust in outside figures is low, particularly after years of political chaos.
Pahlavi has faced challenges, too. In April 2023, he visited Israel, which stirred mixed reactions among Iranians. Some viewed it as a pragmatic approach, while others felt it distanced him from Iran’s Arab allies.
Despite the ups and downs, Reza Pahlavi remains a compelling figure. His supporters see him as a bridge to a more democratic future, while many inside Iran are still deciding on their path forward. Whether he can truly represent the hopes of Iranians is a question that lingers, especially given the nation’s complex history. Pahlavi’s father’s legacy, along with his own aspirations, keeps the conversation about Iran’s future alive.
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