The exiled Iranian crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has said he has accepted calls to become the next leader of Iran amid uncertainty following the reported killing of the country’s Supreme Leader.
Pahlavi, the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, made the declaration in a video statement posted on his X account, saying he was ready to lead a political transition if the current regime collapses.
According to the exiled prince, many Iranians have urged him to assume leadership as the country navigates a potential political transition
He said, “The Iranian people have called on me to lead the transition after the regime is gone.
“I have accepted that responsibility. Part of their great mandate to me is to return our nation and our foreign relations to normalcy. I will do exactly that.”
He pledged to ensure stability during any transition and allow citizens to determine the country’s future through democratic means.
“My commitment is to ensure the transition is orderly, the country is stabilized, and Iranians determine their future through the ballot box,” he added.
Pahlavi also appealed to Arab countries and international partners to support a potential transitional government.
“Iranians have made their choice, at an enormous price. Now I ask our friends in the Arab world to join us. To prepare to recognize and engage our transitional government,” he said.
The development follows reports that Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday during joint United States and Israeli strikes in Iran.
Under Iranian law, an Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing the country’s supreme leader. The body is yet to announce a successor.
In the interim, a three-member transitional council comprising the president, the head of the judiciary and a member of the Guardian Council has reportedly been tasked with overseeing the country’s affairs.
Pahlavi has been one of the most prominent opposition figures against the Islamic Republic for decades.
He has repeatedly called for protests against the Iranian government, advocated the removal of the ruling system and pushed for closer relations between Iran, Western countries and Israel.
