Exiled Prince Urges Protests, But Can He Lead Iran?

For nearly 50 years, Reza Pahlavi has lived outside Iran. He is the son of the country's last monarch. Now, he is calling for Iranians to join the widespread protests happening inside the nation. Pahlavi is the former crown prince. His father, the Shah, was removed from power in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since then, Pahlavi has been a prominent voice opposing Iran's current government from the United States. He recently urged citizens to demonstrate during important national holidays. His goal is to turn patriotic gatherings into anti-government protests. However, his influence inside Iran is unclear. Many older Iranians remember his father's rule. That period was also criticized for its harsh secret police and limits on freedom. Younger protesters often seek a completely new political system. They do not necessarily want to return to a monarchy. Pahlavi now says he does not seek the throne for himself. Instead, he calls for a secular democracy chosen by the Iranian people. He presents himself as a unifying figure for the opposition. The success of his appeal remains uncertain. The protests inside Iran have many leaders and no single face. Pahlavi's role is still being defined.