The exiled “crown prince” of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, is actively urging European leaders to throw their full support behind President Trump’s ongoing military campaign in Iran. Pahlavi is calling for Europe to back efforts to replace the current religious dictatorship with a democratic system, emphasizing that the military action is a “humanitarian rescue mission.”
According to Pahlavi, the ayatollah’s regime is currently “collapsing” following two days of intense bombardment from Israeli and American forces, and the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several of his top commanders. Per Politico, Europe initially reacted with caution, expressing concerns about the potential for wider conflict and the legality of the actions under international law. Pahlavi, however, believes it’s time for a decisive shift.
“The military operation is a humanitarian rescue mission and will save many lives,” Pahlavi stated. He added, “Europe’s decision to proscribe the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] IRGC is welcome but it now needs to go further and support our transition plan to rebuild Iran. Europe has too long sat on the fence. This is the moment of decision. Stand with the Iranian people.”
His call to action is certainly personally driven
Initially, European governments had urged restraint, even while Canada stood with Trump, and Putin outright condemned the attacks. France’s President Emmanuel Macron even called the escalation of the conflict “dangerous.” France, Germany, and the United Kingdom had also suggested that the Iranian regime should return to nuclear program negotiations. However, as Iranian retaliation increased, they began to reconsider their stances.
On Sunday night, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the U.K. would reverse its earlier position, allowing U.S. forces to use its air bases for operations. Similarly, French and German leaders signaled their readiness to enable defensive actions to destroy Iranian missile sites if necessary, working in cooperation with the Americans. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also indicated her backing for regime change in Iran.
Pahlavi expressed his gratitude to the U.S. and Israel for their “leadership” in the current situation. He emphasized that while external support is crucial, “the final victory will need to be forged by the Iranian people on the ground.”
Pahlavi also revealed that he has a comprehensive plan for a stable transition to democracy. It has been one of the biggest questions following the attacks because of the fragmented nature of the opposition. He stated, “I have a plan for a stable transition to democracy. We are making our final preparations for the transitional government to lead the country to stability and peace.”
Not everyone within the Iranian opposition supports Pahlavi. The legacy of the Pahlavi monarchy remains a divisive element in Iran’s history, marked by its own record of police brutality. However, even those who wouldn’t welcome a return to monarchy acknowledge that Pahlavi possesses one of the few opposition figures with nationwide name recognition.
Published: Mar 3, 2026 05:57 am