12.01.2026 00:01
In the streets of Iran, as the fuse was lit in the last days of 2025, it continued to shake the regime in the first weeks of 2026; a historic signal of return came from the exiled dynasty. Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the late Shah in exile, called on the streets to "Resist," while his proposal to US President Trump to "Let's grow Iran together" stirred international diplomacy.
Since the last days of 2025, protests in Iran have been ongoing and intensifying every day, prompting members of the royal family in exile to take action. Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, sent critical messages to both the demonstrators on the streets and the international community. Pahlavi urged the protesters, "Do not leave the streets," and addressed U.S. President Donald Trump, saying, "Let us work together to make Iran great again."
The protests, which began with an economic crisis and anti-government demands across Iran, continue to make headlines in 2026, while the former crown prince in exile, Reza Pahlavi, broke his silence. Pahlavi declared that he is ready to take responsibility for a transitional period, arguing that the regime is weakening.
"I AM READY TO LEAD"
Addressing the Iranian people, Pahlavi emphasized that the resistance on the streets must not be broken. Claiming that cracks have formed in the regime's security walls, Pahlavi stated: "As I have said before, I am ready to lead. However, the final choice belongs to the people. My current duty is to ensure that this transition process occurs smoothly. Many security personnel are resigning; do not leave the streets!"
CALL TO TRUMP THROUGH FOX NEWS: "LET'S MAKE IRAN GREAT TOGETHER"
In statements made to the U.S.-based Fox News channel, Pahlavi conveyed his message to President Donald Trump. Referring to Trump's famous campaign slogan, Pahlavi offered a strategic partnership: "Mr. President… Let us work together to make Iran great again. I am ready to return to Iran at the first opportunity."
TRUMP LEFT THE DOOR AJAR
When asked whether he would meet with Pahlavi, President Trump responded, "I'm not sure if that would be appropriate at this stage. I think we need to watch who emerges."
THE WORLD'S EYES ARE ON IRAN
As of early 2026, the smoke rising from Tehran and the support demonstrations held in many cities around the world, including Istanbul, indicate that the process in Iran has reached an irreversible point.
THE END OF A 2,500-YEAR MONARCHY AND THE STORY OF EXILE
The slogans echoing in the streets of Iran today and Reza Pahlavi's signals of "return" bring to mind that historic break in 1979. Here is the process leading to the collapse of the Pahlavi Dynasty:
The footsteps of revolution and social explosion: At the end of the 1970s, while Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was trying to modernize the country rapidly with oil revenues, rising inflation and an oppressive regime accumulated social anger. The propaganda conducted through the voice tapes of the exiled leader Ayatollah Khomeini united conservatives and opponents of modernization under a single banner.
January 16, 1979: "The Hawk" took off, an era closed: In January 1979, when tensions peaked, the Shah decided to leave the country, citing the need to prevent bloodshed. On the morning of January 16, as he boarded a plane at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport, a box of Iranian soil he took with him symbolized a sorrowful farewell to his homeland. Just minutes after the Shah's departure, the streets of Tehran were shaken by celebrations of "The Shah is gone" (Shah Raft!).
They became stateless in exile: The real tragedy for the Shah's family began after leaving the airport. Once hosting the world's most powerful leaders in their palaces, the Pahlavis struggled to find a country to take refuge in. The family, shuttling between Egypt, Morocco, the Bahamas, and Mexico, was treated as "unwanted guests." The Shah's trip to the U.S. for treatment led to the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and a 444-day hostage crisis.
Reza Pahlavi passed away in Cairo in 1980, just 18 months after exile. Other family members scattered across Europe and the U.S.
Today, 47 years after his father's departure, Reza Pahlavi's declaration of "I am ready to lead" is considered the greatest comeback attempt in history following that farewell in 1979. Pahlavi left his country as a 19-year-old young man.