The exiled Iranian crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has declared that he is prepared to assume leadership of Iran amid mounting uncertainty following reports of the Supreme Leader’s death. Pahlavi, the eldest son of the late Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, made the statement in a video shared on his account, expressing readiness to guide a political transition should the current regime collapse.
According to Ireporteronline the prince stated that many Iranians have called on him to take charge during the nation’s potential political shift. “The Iranian people have called on me to lead the transition after the regime is gone. I have accepted that responsibility. Part of their great mandate to me is to return our nation and our foreign relations to normalcy. I will do exactly that,” he said.
Pahlavi emphasized his commitment to stability and democratic processes during any transition. “My commitment is to ensure the transition is orderly, the country is stabilized, and Iranians determine their future through the ballot box,” he added.
He also appealed to Arab nations and international partners to support a potential transitional government, urging them to recognize and engage with it. “Iranians have made their choice, at an enormous price. Now I ask our friends in the Arab world to join us,” he said.
The announcement comes amid reports that Ali Khamenei was killed in joint United States and Israeli strikes on Saturday. Under Iranian law, the Assembly of Experts is tasked with appointing the country’s next Supreme Leader, a decision that has not yet been announced. In the interim, a three-member transitional council, including the president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council, is reportedly overseeing state affairs.
Pahlavi has long been a leading opposition figure, calling for protests against the Islamic Republic, advocating the removal of the ruling system, and promoting closer relations between Iran, Western nations, and Israel.
