Iran’s exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi called on Iranian security forces to stand with the people against the Islamic Republic’s repressive apparatus.
In an exclusive interview with Iran’s International Bureau on Saturday, President Pahlavi said: “The army is the protector of the country and its borders, but today we have a situation where internal enemies are shooting at our people…The army should be a shield. There is,” he said. For defenseless people. ”
The ousted prince added that the people would accept the security forces, saying: “The people say they are not going to take revenge on us, they are going to accept you, but you should join us instead of defending the regime.” ” he said.
Iran’s traditional armed forces (artesh) are vulnerable by the Islamic Republic and controlled by officers of the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Still, many hold hope that the military might one day protect protesters and prevent the Revolutionary Guards and other regime forces from using military brutality against the people. are doing.
Pahlavi also said that one of the necessary steps to organize the protests is to elect leaders who will present a united front and allow the rebels to interact with other countries.
He said the world must know what the alternative is for the Islamic Republic, noting that political forces should work together beyond the streets.
He added: “Tomorrow Iran may have different political leanings, but at this stage we have a common goal: to save the country.”
Foreign Minister Pahlavi met with a delegation from the European Parliament regarding the ongoing protests in Iran and urged European leaders to support Iranians who have taken to the streets to make their demands.
In a tweet earlier in the day, he urged European countries to recall their ambassadors from Tehran.
In a series of protests since 2017, many demonstrators have seen the 20th century dynasties as a force that modernized Iran by creating the educational, industrial, military, legal and other infrastructure necessary for development. They have been chanting slogans in support of King Pahlavi. But Reza Pahlavi said he was not aspiring to restore the monarchy and that the people should decide what form of government they preferred after the Islamic Republic was overthrown.
At the same time, some Iranians say the current protests require an alternative government to the leadership and clerical regime.
of Latest round of nationwide protests The protests in Iran appear to be different from those that have rocked the Islamic Republic since 2017.
Protests began in Tehran on September 16th. Mahusa Amini, 22, died in custody. It is not caused by the economic difficulties Iranians have experienced in recent years.
But the goal of most protesters appears to be regime change and full freedom, not just partial concessions by the government.
