Exiled Iranian Royal Family Urges Security Forces to Support People’s Movement, Calls for End to Regime

Iran, Dec 03 : Former Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and ex-Queen Farah Pahlavi have voiced strong support for ongoing protests across Iran, urging security forces to join the people in their demand to end the Islamic Republic’s 46-year rule. Their statements came following a warning from US President Donald Trump, who threatened intervention if Iranian authorities targeted peaceful demonstrators.

In a post on X, Reza Pahlavi thanked Trump for his “strong leadership and support,” saying the warning gave the Iranian people hope and strength. He stressed that Iranians aspire to rebuild relations with the United States to bring peace and stability to the region.

Ex-Queen Farah Pahlavi also addressed the nation on X, highlighting Iran’s proud cultural heritage and calling on security forces to side with the protesters. “This moment is yours. This time will be remembered as the turning point, when the Iranian people took their future back into their hands,” she wrote.

Meanwhile, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk urged Iranian authorities to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

The protests, sparked by rising prices and economic stagnation, have spread nationwide. Demonstrations were reported in Tehran, Qom, Mashhad, Hamedan, Marvdasht, and Yasuj, with at least nine fatalities and 44 arrests so far.

In response to Trump’s warning, Iran’s UN envoy Amir Saeed Iravani called the statements “unlawful threats” and a violation of international law, insisting that the United States would bear responsibility for any escalation. He reaffirmed Tehran’s right to defend its sovereignty.

The unrest escalated after Tehran shopkeepers went on strike over soaring prices, fueling demonstrations across multiple provinces and cities. The situation remains tense as protests continue to spread.