Ayatullah Khamenei and Reza Pahlavi (Images/AP)
Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, welcomed the announcement of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death following joint US-Israeli military strikes. He praised US President Donald Trump for his decisive action.In a post on X, Pahlavi wrote: “Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time… has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history.”
Pahlavi laid out a roadmap, called the Iran Prosperity Project, which proposes a referendum to draft and ratify a new constitution, followed by internationally supervised elections, after which the transitional government would dissolve.He added that any attempt by the remnants of the regime to appoint a successor would fail, warning that any new leader would lack legitimacy and would inherit the crimes of the outgoing regime. Pahlavi urged military, law enforcement and security forces to assist in a stable transition to a free and prosperous Iran.Addressing citizens directly, Pahlavi wrote: “This may be the beginning of our great national celebration, but it is not the end of the road. Remain vigilant and prepared. The time for a widespread and decisive presence in the streets is very near. Thanks to President Trump, their hour of liberation is at hand… the Iranian people know they are not alone.”Pahlavi emphasized that the final victory would be achieved by Iranians themselves, who have borne decades of repression, mass protests and state violence.
Transparent roadmap for democratic transition
In a detailed op-ed in the Washington Post, Pahlavi laid out a comprehensive plan for a peaceful and transparent transition in the country following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.He described the Islamic Republic as an expansionist and oppressive regime that has subverted regional sovereignty, pursued nuclear weapons, and committed mass atrocities at home, citing the reported massacre of over 30,000 protesters in January 2026.He emphasized that while US and Israeli strikes have weakened the regime, the ultimate victory rests with the Iranian people, who have endured decades of repression. Pahlavi called for unity among opposition groups, including monarchists, republicans, liberals, leftists, and religious and ethnic minorities, around four principles: territorial integrity, individual liberties, separation of religion and state, and the people’s right to choose their government.Pahlavi also envisioned a free Iran pursuing regional peace and cooperation, proposing the “Cyrus Accords,” a framework inspired by Cyrus the Great. This plan aims to replace hostility with diplomatic and economic collaboration, including recognition of Israel, and to transform Iran into a pillar of stability and prosperity in the Middle East, according to Washington Post. He praised Trump for supporting the Iranian people, stating that U.S. solidarity has empowered the nation’s citizens in their struggle for freedom and democratic governance.Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s last Shah, overthrown in the 1979 revolution. Born in Tehran in 1960, he was formally named crown prince in 1967. Pahlavi left Iran in 1978 for US military training and later earned a degree in political science from the University of Southern California. Following his father’s death in 1980, he declared himself Shah in exile.The US-Israel strikes on Iran early Saturday targeted key military and nuclear sites near Khamenei’s office. President Donald Trump called the strikes a measure to protect American lives and global security, declaring that “the hour of your freedom is at hand” for the Iranian people.
