Latest news with #Israeli-AmericanCouncil
Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Israeli-American Council HQ Targeted With Swastika Graffiti: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The national headquarters of the Israeli-American Council (IAC) in Los Angeles were vandalized with swastikas and Nazi symbols at the weekend, the organization said. The vandalism — including the words "F*** Jews, BDS" and the letters "SS," a reference to the Nazi Schutzstaffel — was seen on the sidewalk, the building's entrance and barriers near the Shepher Community Center in the Woodland Hills region, KTLA reported. "The Shepher Community Center is home to the Israeli-American and Jewish communities in Los Angeles," IAC Los Angeles wrote on its Facebook page on Sunday night. "We will remain strong and united against all hatred and antisemitism." Vandalism seen outside the Israeli-American Council headquarters in Los Angeles this weekend. Vandalism seen outside the Israeli-American Council headquarters in Los Angeles this weekend. Israeli American Council Los Angeles This is a developing story. More to follow.
News18
18-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Who Is Reza Pahlavi? All About The Shahs Of Iran And What Led To Their Ouster
Last Updated: Amid the Israel-Iran conflict, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Mohammad Reza Shah, has constantly called for a change in regime in Tehran. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, toppled in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, reiterated his call for a regime change in Tehran, adding that the Islamic Republic is collapsing and that the time has come for the Iranian people to 'reclaim Iran." Pahlavi, in a post on X, said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had 'gone into hiding underground" and lost control of the country, describing the moment as 'irreversible." 'The end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation," he wrote, adding, 'Now is the time to rise." Iran — historically known as Persia — was ruled by monarchs known as Shahs, culminating in the 20th century with the Pahlavi dynasty. These rulers shaped Iran's infrastructure, politics, and international relations, until their reign ended with the 1979 Islamic Revolution. While monarchy once defined Iran's national identity, today the country is a theocratic republic deeply at odds with the West and locked in a conflict with Israel. Amid the Israel-Iran conflict, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Mohammad Reza Shah, has constantly called for a change in regime in Tehran. At the Israeli-American Council summit in September 2024, he said, 'We have to put an end to this regime… Iranians who stand in solidarity with the free world, with the Israelis, are the answer… not this regime." Earlier this month, Pahlavi had blamed Khamenei for having 'dragged Iran into a war" with Israel and described the government in Tehran as 'weak and divided." 'It could fall. As I have told my compatriots: Iran is yours and yours to reclaim. I am with you. Stay strong and we will win," he had said in a statement. 'I have told the military, police, and security forces: break from the regime. Honour the oath of any honourable serviceman. Join the people," Pahlavi had said. The Qajar dynasty, which ruled Iran from 1794 to 1925, was marked by internal instability, foreign interference, and gradual territorial losses. Founded by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, the dynasty centralised power but struggled to modernise the country. Throughout the 19th century, Iran lost significant lands in the Caucasus to Russia and came under growing influence from Britain and other European powers. Corruption, weak governance, and economic mismanagement weakened the monarchy's grip. In the early 20th century, growing demands for reform led to the Constitutional Revolution of 1906, which introduced a parliament and limited royal authority. However, the Qajar rulers remained largely ineffective. The final blow came when Reza Khan, a military officer, staged a coup and was later crowned as Reza Shah Pahlavi in 1925, formally ending the Qajar dynasty and establishing the Pahlavi monarchy. Who Are The Pahlavis? The last ruling family of Iran, the Pahlavis, came to power in 1925 when Reza Shah Pahlavi, a former military officer, overthrew the Qajar dynasty. Reza Shah initiated sweeping modernisation efforts — building roads, schools, and a centralised military. But his authoritarian rule and alignment with Nazi Germany led to his forced abdication in 1941 by Allied powers during World War II. He was succeeded by his son, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who ruled from 1941 to 1979. Known for his pro-Western stance and oil partnerships with the United States and Britain, the younger Shah introduced the White Revolution, which included land reforms and women's rights. While this won him praise in the West, at home, critics saw it as aggressive westernisation and a threat to Islamic and traditional values. The Fall Of Pahlavis Mounting discontent over political repression, economic inequality, and close ties with the West—particularly the U.S.—sparked mass protests in the late 1970s. The Shah's secret police (SAVAK) had brutally suppressed dissent for years, breeding deep resentment. In 1979, following months of unrest and public demonstrations, the Shah fled Iran. Soon after, Ayatollah Khomeini returned from exile and established the Islamic Republic. Mohammad Reza Shah died in exile in Egypt in 1980. His son, Reza Pahlavi, has since become a leading opposition voice advocating for secular democracy, not monarchy. What is the Current Status of The Shahs? Reza Pahlavi now lives in the US and, while not seeking to reclaim the throne, plays a symbolic role among exiled Iranians. He has called for international support for regime change through peaceful transition and is seen by some as a potential transitional leader if the Islamic Republic collapses. Who is Reza Pahlavi? Reza Pahlavi is the exiled crown prince of Iran and the eldest son of the last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Born in 1960, Pahlavi has lived in exile primarily in the United States, where he has positioned himself as a vocal opponent of the current Islamic Republic. Although he holds no formal political power in Iran, he commands a symbolic following among segments of the Iranian diaspora and some reform-minded Iranians. Reza Pahlavi advocates for a secular, democratic Iran and has recently intensified his international outreach, calling for global support for Iranian protesters and a peaceful transition from the current theocracy. top videos View all How Were Iran-Israel Ties Under The Shahs? The Shahs maintained formal diplomatic ties with Israel until 1979, contrasting sharply with the Islamic Republic's current policy of hostility. This historical relationship is often invoked in regional discourse. As Iran and Israel edge closer to direct conflict in 2025, some Iranians reflect on the Shah's era as a time of relative peace and global integration—despite its flaws. tags : Ayatollah Ali Khamenei iran Iran-Israel Israel-Iran tensions Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 18, 2025, 09:45 IST News explainers Who Is Reza Pahlavi? All About The Shahs Of Iran And What Led To Their Ouster
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi calls for regime change
Reza Pahlavi , the exiled son of Iran's last monarch, has renewed his call for regime change in Tehran, asserting that the Islamic Republic is nearing collapse. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Pahlavi claimed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has 'gone into hiding underground' and no longer maintains control over the country. In 1979, Iran underwent a major political shift. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini had been exiled to Turkey for 14 years by Reza's father. Ayotallah forced the Shah out of power in the Islamic Revolution now may face a similar fate with Reza Shah instigating the Iranian's to rise up against the current regime. Describing the moment as 'irreversible,' Pahlavi wrote that 'the end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation.' He urged Iranians to 'rise' and 'reclaim Iran,' signalling what he views as an opportunity for a political transition. His remarks come amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and reports of internal instability in Tehran. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mini House for 60 sqm for Seniors with Toilet and Bath (Click Here) Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Also Read: From friends to foe: How Iran became US and Israel's 'Jaani Dushman' Pahlavi has been an outspoken critic of the Islamic Republic and frequently advocates for a secular, democratic Iran. Earlier this month, he blamed Khamenei for drawing the country into conflict with Israel, describing the regime as 'weak and divided.' Addressing Iran's armed forces, he called on military, police, and security personnel to 'break from the regime' and 'join the people.' Live Events — PahlaviReza (@PahlaviReza) At the Israeli-American Council summit in September 2024, Pahlavi had reiterated similar sentiments, stating that 'Iranians who stand in solidarity with the free world, with the Israelis, are the answer… not this regime.' The son of Mohammad Reza Shah, who was deposed during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Reza Pahlavi has spent most of his life in exile in the United States. While he does not seek to reinstate the monarchy, he plays a symbolic role within the Iranian diaspora and is viewed by some opposition groups as a potential figure for transitional leadership. His comments arrive at a time of growing unrest and uncertainty within Iran, with international observers watching closely for further developments.
Mint
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Israel goes to war without Trump. The US may be drawn in anyway
Donald Trump campaigned as candidate of peace, saying he would end the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. 'When I return to the White House, we will quickly restore stability in the Middle East, and we will return the world to peace," he told the Israeli-American Council in Washington in September. Now, the Middle East is descending into a new phase of uncertain and dangerous war. Israel launched early Friday morning a long-anticipated but still stunning predawn assault on its adversary, Iran. Israel sought to destroy the country's nuclear program, which has grown near completion. Talks have drawn out for months without conclusion. Israel's attack ended any hope of negotiations, though it was not immediately clear how severely its forces damaged Iran's nuclear facilities. Attacks also targeted Iranian personnel. State media reported that the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been killed. The Trump administration immediately distanced itself from the attack. 'Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. 'Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. personnel," he said. But the US is Israel's most important ally, and it will be difficult for Washington to avoid being drawn into the conflict in the coming days. Trump is perhaps the only foreign leader who might be capable of talking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu out of more strikes. The U.S. may be called into Israel's defense against any retaliation, as it has in the past. Or it may be called the defense of Saudi Arabia and other regional partners, who have been at the mercy of Iran's attacks before. 'We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump told reporters he was against Israel launching an attack because it would ruin ongoing negotiations with Iran. 'I think it would blow it," he said. He equivocate. An attack by Israel 'might help [negotiations], actually, but it could also blow it." The White House did not immediately return a request for comment. The bombing campaign won't necessarily be over quickly, Netanyahu said in a recorded message shortly after the attack started. The strikes could last 'as many days as it takes" to remove the threat of Iran's nuclear program, he said. 'We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment program. We struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear weaponization program," Netanyahu said. 'We targeted Iran's main enrichment facility in Natanz. We targeted Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb. We also struck at the heart of Iran's ballistic missile program." Analysts have long debated whether Israel has the capability to destroy Iran's heavily defended nuclear program without U.S. help. Netanyahu projected confidence in the immediate aftermath, but it may require ground troops for Israel to fully eliminate the nuclear program. Netanyahu proceeded anyway, all but daring a president who has long proclaimed his bent for peace in his wake to join the conflict. The attack unfolded as Israel has reached the apex of its recent power, and Iran its nadir. Israel has struck successfully against its enemies in Hamas, Hezbollah, and more. Iran has few friends nearby and is more vulnerable than ever. Many analysts have warned about the rising potential for conflict, which could easily draw in the U.S.—even if it would rather not. But analysts have long warned that it would be dangerous to assume Iran has no means to retaliate. A full-scale war between Iran and Israel has long represented one of many geopolitical planners' worst-case scenarios. A conflict that damaged global oil supply or shipping would quickly reverberate in the U.S. and across the world by quickly raising oil prices and sending investors selling stocks for safe-haven assets. Oil prices spiked immediately, with West Texas Intermediate spiking 8.3%, to around $73.29 a barrel, and Brent crude jumped 8%, to around $74.54 a barrel. Stock futures sank late Thursday evening with S&P 500 futures were down 1.8%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down 700 points, or 1.6%. There were no immediate indications that Israel struck Iranian oil facilities, which could help markets avoid further losses. That could change if the U.S. is drawn into war. Write to Matt Peterson at
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ex-hostage: Fight for freedom of captives is ‘most Israeli, Jewish, human thing we can do'
Former hostage Eliya Cohen urged the public to continue fighting for those still held in Gaza, calling the mission 'the most Israeli, the most Jewish, and the most human thing we can do." On the 600th day since Hamas abducted 251 people from Israel, former hostage Eliya Cohen urged the public to continue fighting for those still held in Gaza, calling the mission 'the most Israeli, the most Jewish, and the most human thing we can do,' according to a statement released by the Israeli-American Council (IAC). Cohen, 26, was kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, and was held in Gaza for 505 days before being released in February 2025. During the attack, Cohen and his fiancée, Ziv Abud, sought refuge in what later became known as the 'death shelter' near Kibbutz Re'im. Abud survived by hiding under the bodies of other victims for six hours. Cohen, meanwhile, was abducted, shot in the leg, and subjected to brutal conditions in Hamas's underground tunnels. Despite the trauma, Cohen reportedly performed kiddush before Shabbat and maintained a routine of prayer, even while in captivity, as revealed by messages passed on by released hostages. He was unaware that his fiancée had survived until he returned to Israel after his release, as part of a ceasefire agreement. 'I may be here, but part of me is still in Gaza,' Cohen said during the 'Israel United: Celebrating Israel at 77' mega event Tuesday night at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. 'You have united, together, to call for the release of the hostages. You told our stories. You stood up for us. For 505 days, you were fighting for me, while I was in the tunnels under Gaza. And since my release, I've been joining you in that fight. Because the hostages still need your help. It is possible to bring them home — just like I came home.' The event was organized by the IAC, Jewish Federation Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles, and StandWithUs. It marked 600 days since the October 7 Hamas massacre, which left more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals dead and 251 kidnapped. 'Today, we mark 600 days — 600 days that our brothers and sisters are in captivity. Six hundred days that Am Yisrael [the people of Israel] has not been able to heal. Six hundred days of pain and waiting. There are still 58 hostages. We cannot give up. We cannot lose hope,' Cohen said. He added, 'Independence is more than a date on the calendar — it's the ability to live freely. The fact that I survived, and that I am standing here before you tonight — that is a miracle. After 505 days in captivity, I know the true meaning of freedom.' Also speaking at the event was IAC CEO Elan Carr, the former US special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism. In the IAC statement, Carr described Israel's founding as a transformative moment in global history. 'May 1948 was a watershed moment for human history,' Carr said in the statement. 'Just as the Biblical Exodus from Egypt inspired America's founding and the US Civil Rights movement, the creation of Israel was history's greatest story of national self-determination. Israel has done more to elevate the human condition than almost any other country.' Other dignitaries in attendance included Israel's Consul-General in Los Angeles Israel Bachar, Congressman Brad Sherman, Jewish Federation Los Angeles President and CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas, StandWithUs CEO Roz Rothstein, and Australian media personality Erin Molan. The evening featured performances by Israeli singer Itay Levi and American actor and comedian Elon Gold. Levi brought Cohen onstage and dedicated a song to him and to all the remaining hostages. According to the IAC, the event aimed to celebrate Israel's 77th Independence Day while honoring the unity of the Jewish people and renewing the call for the release of all hostages.
