Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has urged President Donald Trump to intervene promptly against the Islamic Republic’s regime, arguing that decisive action would hasten its collapse and reduce further loss of life. His comments come as nationwide protests, now in their third week, continue despite a severe government crackdown that has resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests.
The protests erupted in late December 2025, initially triggered by a dramatic collapse in the value of Iran’s currency, the rial, amid persistent high inflation and economic hardship. What began as demonstrations by merchants, shopkeepers, and students over soaring prices and unaffordable goods quickly evolved into widespread calls for the end of the clerical regime led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters have taken to the streets in cities across all 31 provinces, chanting slogans against the leadership and, in some cases, expressing support for Pahlavi.
Background on the Protests and Economic Crisis
The unrest stems from years of mounting economic pressures, exacerbated by international sanctions, declining oil revenues, and recent regional conflicts. The rial reached record lows in late December 2025, leading to immediate strikes and marches in Tehran’s historic bazaars. Within days, the demonstrations spread to universities and rural areas, transforming from economic grievances into demands for fundamental political change. Rights groups report that security forces have responded with live ammunition, mass arrests, and an internet blackout imposed in early January 2026 to limit coordination and obscure the scale of repression. Casualty figures vary, but independent monitors have documented hundreds killed and over 10,000 detained since the protests began.
This wave stands out from prior uprisings due to its explicit focus on regime change rather than reform, and its broad geographic reach. Pahlavi described the current movement as a “revolution in its true sense,” driven not just by economic demands but by a desire to dismantle the Islamic Republic entirely.
Pahlavi’s Interview and Appeal to Trump
In a CBS News interview with Norah O’Donnell on January 12, 2026, Pahlavi emphasized the urgency of international support for the protesters. “We need action to be taken,” he said. “The best way to ensure that there will be less people killed in Iran is to intervene sooner, so this regime finally collapses and puts an end to all the problems that we are facing.”
Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew his father, the last Shah of Iran, positioned himself as a voice for the Iranian people abroad and a potential transitional figure. He noted chants of his name during protests as evidence of support, though the extent of his backing inside Iran remains debated. “Why is it that I offer my service to Iran? I’m answering their call,” he said. “I’m a bridge and not the destination at this point.”
Addressing the human cost, Pahlavi acknowledged the risks, stating, “This is a war and war has casualties.” He added that to “minimize the death toll” and protect innocents, “action is needed.” When asked if he would be willing to die for the cause, he replied affirmatively, citing the courage of frontline protesters.
Pahlavi portrayed the regime’s recent diplomatic overtures as a tactic to defuse the unrest. He argued that Trump’s stated “red lines”—including warnings of severe consequences if the regime continues killing protesters—have already been crossed, and that the government is attempting to “trick” the world into believing it is open to negotiation.
Trump’s Position and U.S. Response
President Trump has taken a hard line on the situation. On Friday, he warned that the U.S. would respond forcefully if the regime escalated its violence, stating, “We’ll be hitting them very hard where it hurts. And that doesn’t mean boots on the ground, but it means hitting them very, very hard where it hurts.” He later confirmed speaking with Iranian leaders on Saturday, describing their outreach as a desire to negotiate amid threats of military action.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on January 12 that all options, including airstrikes, remain under consideration. Trump has emphasized solidarity with the Iranian people while weighing responses to the crackdown.
Pahlavi praised Trump’s approach, contrasting it with previous administrations by saying the president is “a man that means what he says and says what he means.” He suggested that Trump’s presence in the White House represents a key difference from earlier protest periods in 2018 and 2019, which did not lead to regime change.
The timing of these developments is significant. The protests follow recent regional setbacks for Iran, including military strikes on its nuclear facilities in 2025, which have weakened the regime economically and strategically. With the government facing internal dissent on an unprecedented scale and external pressure mounting, Pahlavi’s call highlights a critical juncture where international involvement could influence the outcome.
