Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last Shah, called on Western nations to accept that overthrowing Iran’s current regime is essential for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. Speaking in Paris on Monday (June 23), Pahlavi warned that simply targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities would not be enough and urged world leaders not to repeat past mistakes by offering the regime any form of support. His comments followed U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. While the U.S. government stated its goal was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, not to provoke regime change, President Trump hinted in a social media post that the Islamic Republic’s leadership could ultimately fall.

Pahlavi emphasized that meaningful change in Iran requires a democratic transition. He argued that Western concerns about nuclear threats and regional instability cannot be resolved as long as the current clerical regime remains in power. Although Iranian authorities did not respond to his statements, Pahlavi asserted that the regime is in decline and that top officials, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, are allegedly preparing to flee the country. Comparing the situation to the fall of the Berlin Wall, he said this is a crucial but dangerous moment for Iran. Having lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that deposed his father, Pahlavi’s influence within Iran remains uncertain. While some Iranians oppose the current regime, memories of the Shah’s oppressive rule and his secret police still linger, and the monarchy remains a divisive issue during protests.

Pahlavi stated that he does not seek political power or a return to monarchy. Instead, he envisions a future Iran built on democracy, secularism, human rights, and national unity. He acknowledged the fractured nature of the opposition and outlined efforts to bring together activists, dissidents, experts, and business leaders to develop a shared vision for the country’s transition. He also mentioned creating a channel for members of Iran’s security and military forces who may wish to defect and join the opposition. In response to concerns from Western leaders about the risks of the regime collapsing, Pahlavi said they do not need to advocate regime change openly—but they must accept that it is the only lasting solution for Iran’s future.