Tehran: Iran is witnessing large-scale anti-government protests, with demonstrators pouring onto the streets in what is being described as one of the biggest public uprisings in recent years, driven by a worsening economic crisis and growing public anger against the Khamenei regime.
The unrest has also brought exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi back into focus. The son of Iran’s last monarch, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has urged Iranians to continue protesting until Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is removed.
Responding to his call, protesters in Tehran and other cities were heard chanting slogans demanding Pahlavi’s return. Late-night scenes saw residents shouting from rooftops and gathering on streets, echoing similar demonstrations across the country.
“Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands,” Pahlavi said in a message to supporters.
Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands. I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader, and the IRGC that the world and @POTUS are closely watching you. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered. https://t.co/keyFFounaX
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 8, 2026
As protests spread, internet and telephone services were shut down. Digital rights group NetBlocks and internet infrastructure firm Cloudflare said that the disruptions to state interference aimed at curbing mobilisation and information flow.
Who is Reza Pahlavi?
Born on October 31, 1960, in Tehran, Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, and Farah Pahlavi (Farah Diba). He was officially named crown prince in 1967 during his father’s coronation. He spent his early years studying at a private school within the royal palace and trained as a pilot. He had his first solo flight at the age of 11.
In 1978, he relocated to the United States for military flight training with the Imperial Iranian Air Force.. A year later, the monarchy was abolished, forcing the royal family into exile. Following his father’s death in 1980, Pahlavi declared himself the rightful heir to the throne, adopting the title Reza Shah II.
He studied at Williams College and the American University in Cairo before earning a degree in political science from the University of Southern California in 1985. He has largely lived in the United States since the Islamic Revolution.
Pahlavi is a prominent opposition figure to Iran’s Islamic Republic, despite holding no formal political role in the country. In 2013, he co-founded the Iranian National Council to bring together opposition groups. He also launched a television and radio network, Ofogh Iran, in 2014, though he no longer owns it.
He is married to Yasmine Etemad-Amini. The couple has three daughters: Noor, Iman and Farah. Pahlavi has authored three books examining Iran’s past and its democratic future, including Gozashteh va Ayandeh (2000), Winds of Change: The Future of Democracy in Iran (2002), and IRAN: L’Heure du Choix (Iran: The Deciding Hour, 2009).