Paris, June 23 (Reuters) – Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last Shah, called on Western governments to support regime change in Iran, declaring that dismantling Tehran’s nuclear facilities alone will not bring lasting regional peace.Speaking at a press conference in Paris, Pahlavi urged the West not to offer Iran’s ruling clerics any political lifeline. “Now is the time to stand with the Iranian people. Only a democratic transition can ensure regional stability,” he said.His statement came after the United States bombed Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday. Although U.S. officials insisted the goal was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons—not to pursue regime change—President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of Iran’s rulers being toppled in a recent social media post.Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, said Iran’s leadership was preparing to flee and claimed, without presenting evidence, that the regime was on the verge of collapse. “This is our Berlin Wall moment,” he said, comparing the current situation to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.While his influence inside Iran remains unclear, Pahlavi has proposed a national unity gathering that would bring together opposition forces, civil society, and professionals to plan for a post-regime transition. He emphasized support for individual freedoms, territorial integrity, and the separation of religion and state.Pahlavi insisted he is not seeking to return to power or revive the monarchy, but wants to help coordinate a democratic future for Iran. He said a platform had been created to welcome defectors from the Iranian security forces and encouraged international recognition that regime change is the only lasting solution.The Iranian government has not officially responded to his remarks.
