12.01.2026 09:51
As the death toll in the protests in Iran exceeds 500, corpses are lined up in the streets. While these images come from the country, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the deposed Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, stated that the "national uprising" aimed at overthrowing the regime in Iran has entered a new phase, declaring, "The freedom of Iran is near. We are not alone. International support will arrive soon."
Exiled Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the deposed Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has released a new video message regarding the ongoing mass protests in Iran.
Pahlavi stated that the protests are shaking the foundations of the current Iranian regime, saying, "Now, with the power of the million responses you gave to the calls of the past days and the legitimacy and acceptance I received from you, I declare the next phase of the national uprising aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republic of Iran and reclaiming our beloved Iran."
"REGIME-OWNED INSTITUTIONS ARE LEGITIMATE TARGETS"
Pahlavi noted that it is important to seize and protect key centers within Iran, as well as to cut off the regime's communication and propaganda capabilities, stating, "All institutions and organizations belonging to the regime that enable this are considered legitimate targets." He emphasized that security forces working on behalf of the Iranian regime must choose between standing with the people or collaborating with those who kill them, adding, "Outside of Iran, all embassies and consulates belong to Iranians. It is time for these places to be adorned with the national flag of Iran instead of the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
"KHAMENEI AND HIS REGIME HAVE TAKEN HEAVY BLOWS"
Pahlavi pointed out that the Iranian people are on the verge of reclaiming Iran, warning, "Ali Khamenei and his regime have taken heavy blows from you; we must not give them another chance to breathe." Reminding that forces loyal to the Iranian regime have used weapons against some protesters, Pahlavi stated, "This is due to a lack of soldiers, not strength, and the fear of a faster collapse and overthrow. We will not allow these criminals to shed more blood of our youth. We will not give them a chance. We will not back down."
"WE WILL RECLAIM OUR COUNTRY"
Reiterating that Iran's freedom is near, Pahlavi said, "We are not alone. Global support will soon arrive. Expect the next messages from me. We will soon reclaim our country from the Islamic Republic of Iran and celebrate freedom and victory throughout Iran."
WHAT HAPPENED?
Protests initiated by shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar on December 28, 2025, due to the significant devaluation of the local currency against foreign currencies and economic issues, spread to many cities across the country.
The U.S.-based Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that the number of people who have lost their lives in the ongoing protests in Iran has risen to 538, while no official statement has been made by Iranian authorities regarding the figures.
HRANA announced that at least 538 people have died in nationwide protests over the past two weeks, including 490 protesters and 48 security personnel. The statement also indicated that more than 10,600 people have been detained.
Meanwhile, while no official statement has been made by Iranian authorities regarding the death toll, the Associated Press (AP) reported that it could not independently verify the casualty figures.