Politics Shah's son Pahlavi announces return to Iran
Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah who was overthrown in 1979, has announced his return to Iran from his exile in the USA. The 65-year-old did not give a date. It remains to be seen whether Pahlavi will be allowed to enter the country at all and what consequences he faces as an opposition politician.
18.01.2026, 20:12
SDA
In a video message on X, Pahlavi said that the people of Iran not only rejected the "regime", but also demanded a credible new path into the future. It was now time for the international community to fully support her. "I will return," said Pahlavi - a statement he has repeated in recent months.
The video included the phrase: "This is the last battle." Without supporting evidence, Pahlavi said that 12,000 people had been killed in the mass demonstrations within 48 hours. This information cannot currently be independently verified.
Pahlavi, who was once appointed crown prince by his authoritarian father, the last Shah of Persia, has been living in exile in the USA for decades. During the recent mass protests, he claimed a leadership role in the divided and fragmented Iranian opposition from abroad. He has built up an audience of millions, particularly on social media.
Pahlavi's role remains controversial. While some see him as a beacon of hope, others criticize his lack of political transparency and the confrontational style of his supporters
There has been no recognized, organized opposition force in Iran for years. Many people are therefore relying on international support. At recent demonstrations, the slogan "Long live the king" was chanted several times - a direct reference to Pahlavi. However, the extent of his actual influence in the country remains difficult to assess.
