Iran, Jan 12 : As unrest deepens across Iran, exiled former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has made a direct appeal to US President Donald Trump, urging him to stand firmly with Iranians protesting against the country’s clerical leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Speaking on Sunday, Pahlavi described Trump as a “man of peace” and labelled Iran’s ruling establishment a “terror regime”. He said sustained international support could help Iranians secure freedom and rebuild the country after decades of authoritarian rule.
Pahlavi, 65, the son of Iran’s last Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In an interview with Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, he praised Trump’s past statements in support of the Iranian people, saying they have served as a source of encouragement for protesters on the streets.
“Mr President, you have already forged a legacy as a man of peace. Your words of solidarity have given Iranians the strength to fight for freedom,” Pahlavi said.
He added that while Iran’s leadership continues to chant “Death to America”, many Iranians view the US president as a symbol of support. “They know you have their back and will not abandon them like Obama and Biden,” he said.
“After the fall of this terrorist regime, they will be your best partner for peace and prosperity. Help them liberate themselves and Make Iran Great Again,” Pahlavi added.
Protests turn deadly amid crackdown
Pahlavi’s appeal comes as nationwide anti-government protests in Iran have turned increasingly violent. According to Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), at least 420 protesters, including eight children, have been killed over the past 15 days.
The demonstrations began on December 28, driven by soaring inflation and worsening economic conditions, before expanding into broader protests against the Islamic Republic. Several cities have witnessed clashes between demonstrators and security forces, leading to mass arrests and allegations of excessive use of force.
Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on “rioters” and alleged foreign interference, while insisting that economic grievances will be addressed. Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad warned that legal action against protesters would be severe, saying cases would proceed “without leniency, mercy or appeasement”.
Global reaction grows
International concern over the situation continues to mount. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Iranian authorities to exercise restraint and respect fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
“Shocked by reports of violence and excessive use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters,” Guterres said in a post on X, calling for the restoration of communication services and access to information.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also voiced support for Iranian protesters, praising their “immense bravery”. Meanwhile, US officials told CNN that President Trump is weighing several options amid the escalating crisis, having earlier warned Tehran against using lethal force on demonstrators.