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Reza Pahlavi, Son of the Last Shah of Iran, Speaks Out
Reza Pahlavi is getting increasing attention because of the conflict with Iran, and he's been speaking out about it.
With the U.S. bombing three of Iran's nuclear sites on June 21, that attention is likely to increase.
But how is Pahlavi related to the last Shah of Iran?
He's his eldest son, but he lives in exile largely in the U.S. and is sometimes referred to as a crown prince. France 24 called Pahlavi the "the highest-profile opposition figure" to the current Iranian regime, noting that he is U.S.-based.
According to NDTV, Pahlavi's father, Mohammad Reza Shah, was the leader of Iran until he was forced out by the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
The son was "until recently a figure with little to no say in Iranian affairs. He now makes regular appearances on TV and is calling for a regime change in Iran," NDTV wrote.
"The Islamic Republic has reached its end and is collapsing," Pahlavi wrote on X on June 17. "What has begun is irreversible. The future is bright, and together we will navigate this sharp turn in history. Now is the time to stand; the time to reclaim Iran. May I soon be by your side."
He has appeared on U.S. television in recent days to speak out on the conflict.
"Exiled crown prince of Iran HRH Reza Pahlavi advocates for a new future for Iran and weighs in on the possibility of the United States becoming actively involved in the Israel-Iran conflict," Fox News wrote before the bombing.
He is a pilot who was born in Tehran, the eldest son of the Shah and his wife Farah Pahlavi, NDTV reported.
His wife is Yasmine Etemad-Amini, and they have three daughters: Noor Pahlavi, Iman Pahlavi, and Farah Pahlavi, the television station reported.
Pahlavi "has long called for the restoration of the warm relationship that existed between his late father and Israel," France24 reported, but he "is far from enjoying universal support inside Iran or among exiles" because his positions are considered "divisive" inside Iran.
The family is controversial, according to News 18.
The Shah of Iran's dad, Pahlavi's grandfather, took power in 1925 and was named Reza Shah Pahlavi.
He was a "former military officer" who "overthrew the Qajar dynasty."
He "initiated sweeping modernisation efforts — building roads, schools, and a centralised military." But the allies formed him to abdiate in 1941 because he supported Nazi Germany, the site reported.
His son, the last Shah of Iran, was known "for his pro-Western stance and oil partnerships with the United States and Britain" and introduced "land reforms and women's rights," the site reported.
Reza Pahlavi, Son of the Last Shah of Iran, Speaks Out first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 22, 2025
