The exiled son of Iran’s last monarch has called on the international community to support protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s government, declaring that the fall of the Islamic Republic is inevitable, even as the United States steps back from plans for an immediate military strike amid fears of a wider regional war.
Reza Pahlavi, a US‑based opposition leader, said the global community should intensify pressure on Tehran and directly target the leadership of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. He argued that such action would weaken the regime’s grip on power and reduce further loss of life.
“The Islamic Republic will fall — not if, but when,” Pahlavi said, calling for decisive international measures to support protesters on the ground.
According to a human rights group, more than 2,600 protesters have been killed since demonstrations began on 28 December over worsening economic conditions. The protests later expanded into broader calls for an end to the rule of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei.
Iranian authorities have dismissed the unrest as “riots” backed by foreign enemies. Protesters have faced deadly force, while internet and communication services have been largely shut down, limiting access to independent information.
Speaking at a news conference in Washington on Friday, Pahlavi claimed that sections of Iran’s security forces had refused to participate in the crackdown, forcing authorities to rely on fighters from foreign militias to suppress demonstrations. He called for “surgical” action against the Revolutionary Guard’s command and control structures.
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Pahlavi also urged global powers to increase economic pressure, expel Iranian diplomats, demand the release of all political prisoners, and deploy secure satellite‑based internet services, including Starlink, to restore connectivity inside Iran.
“The Iranian people are taking decisive action on the ground,” he said. “With or without the world’s help, the regime will fall — but it will fall sooner and with fewer lives lost if the world turns words into action.”
US Hesitation and Rising Risks
Despite strong rhetoric, the United States has pulled back from launching an immediate military strike on Iran, citing limited strategic options, insufficient regional assets, and the high risk of a broader conflict. US officials warned that any strike could trigger weeks of fighting and provoke retaliation against American forces and allies across the Middle East.
President Donald Trump, who had earlier warned Tehran against executing protesters, said he had been told that killings had stopped following reports that the execution of protest participant Erfan Soltani had been cancelled — a claim later disputed by Iranian authorities.
“I’ve been told the killing has stopped and that executions won’t take place,” Trump said, while stopping short of ruling out future action.
In a precautionary move, the US and the UK have reduced personnel at key military bases in the region, including the Al‑Udeid air base in Qatar. Officials described the move as a defensive posture adjustment rather than a full evacuation.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounts
Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would prompt retaliation against American and allied interests, including Israel and regional shipping routes. Tehran has insisted it remains in control and denied plans for mass executions.
The crisis has intensified diplomatic activity, with the United Nations Security Council expected to meet at Washington’s request to discuss human rights concerns and regional stability.
Public opinion in the United States appears divided, with recent polls showing strong opposition to military action against Iran without congressional approval. Critics warn that without clear objectives and international backing, intervention could entangle the US in a prolonged and unpredictable conflict.
As protests continue inside Iran and global powers weigh their next steps, the standoff highlights the growing tension between calls for decisive action and fears of a wider war with far‑reaching consequences.
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