Reza Pahlavi’s Message to Trump
Persian Independent UK, Reza Pahlavi, on Tuesday, January 29, during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, elaborated on his views regarding the future of Iran and the impact of the Iranian people’s freedom on the region and countries worldwide.
In his opening remarks, he emphasized the historical opportunity for fundamental changes in the Middle East and the necessity to end the destructive role of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Prince Reza Pahlavi, pointing to the current situation in the region and the increasing weakness of the Islamic Republic’s regime, urged the international community, especially the United States, to seize this opportunity to change the region’s course.
He said, “The Middle East is on the brink of a fundamental change, with the weakening of Hamas in Gaza, the fall of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the end of Assad’s regime in Syria. These changes are taking shape thanks to the leadership and cooperation of regional countries, from Riyadh to Jerusalem.”
Prince Reza Pahlavi described the Islamic Republic of Iran as the primary source of instability, terrorism, and regional wars, highlighting the regime’s history of threatening and using violence against the United States and regional countries, from the embassy hostage crisis to supporting proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
He predicted that “with the weakening of proxy forces and increased pressure, the Islamic Republic regime will seek a new agreement with the United States, but the goal of this agreement would not be peace, but rather to rebuild its proxy forces and continue instability in the region.”
He further described the options available to the United States regarding the Islamic Republic:
“The U.S. government can either succumb to the tactics of the Islamic Republic regime or use this opportunity to steer the Middle East towards peace and stability, or fall for the regime’s rhetoric and return the Middle East to its extremist terrorist proxies.”
Addressing efforts by some figures and groups advocating for war, Prince Reza Pahlavi said, “Some, whether out of ignorance, ideology, or personal interest, aim to deceive this administration (Trump) into thinking that change in Iran can only come through war, but this option will only lead to worse outcomes.”
He then directly addressed Donald Trump, the President of the United States, saying, “Mr. President, anyone telling you that you must sacrifice your troops to change Iran and establish peace in the Middle East is lying to you. We do not ask American forces to fight for our freedom in Iran. It is the Iranians who are fighting for their country’s freedom, wanting to join the freedom movement in the region that these occupiers oppose. They are constantly on the streets, not just demanding their freedom, but fighting for it. But my compatriots are not alone. I will not allow them to be alone in this struggle. They have chosen me to lead the transition from this warmongering regime to a stable and peaceful future. I have accepted their request, and I am here to fulfill my duty.”
Prince Reza Pahlavi stated that for the transition from the Islamic Republic, actions such as creating divisions within the regime, encouraging defections, engaging with grassroots groups inside Iran, garnering global and expatriate Iranian public support, imposing maximum pressure from G20 governments on the regime, and preparing for the country’s economic and political reconstruction post-overthrow are necessary.
During the Q&A session of the meeting, Prince Reza Pahlavi discussed the future after the overthrow of the Islamic Republic and how to deal with forces like the Revolutionary Guard and other regime elements. He emphasized learning from past experiences like South Africa and Iraq to avoid similar mistakes.
He said that during the regime change process, “a balance must be struck between retribution and reconciliation. The goal is to allow those not involved in the regime’s crimes to reintegrate into society, while those who committed crimes must be held accountable. This justice should be based on scientific principles and methods that have proven successful in other countries.”
He believes one effective way to weaken the Islamic Republic is by listing the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. However, he stressed that this action serves two purposes: weakening the regime and its repressive forces, and encouraging defections by offering opportunities for individuals to join the process of change.
Referring to the “de-Ba’athification” experience after Saddam’s fall, Prince Reza Pahlavi warned that completely sidelining regime loyalists could lead to the rise of new extremist groups. Therefore, he suggested using fair and transparent methods to prevent such outcomes.
Prince Reza Pahlavi emphasized focusing on national unity and respect for diversity and the rights of all citizens, particularly highlighting the importance of fostering a democratic culture based on tolerance and mutual respect, rather than revenge.
January 28, 2025 | 5:13 pm
