Restoration or Republic? Iranian Diaspora Rallies Behind Crown Prince Pahlavi

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has emerged as the focal point for regime change efforts as Iran's protests enter their third week, with organised rallies across European capitals and growing diaspora mobilisation behind the exiled royal.

"I will return to Iran," Pahlavi declared at a gathering in Washington, DC. The statement drew thousands of shares and sparked renewed debate about what would follow the Islamic Republic.

The prince's communications office has been active throughout the uprising, positioning him as a unifying figure for an opposition that has historically been fragmented.

Monarchy Versus Republic

The revival of royalist sentiment represents a striking development in a country that overthrew its monarchy less than fifty years ago. Supporters argue the Pahlavi name provides continuity with Iran's pre-revolutionary modernisation, including widespread education and economic development.

"Iran should have been the South Korea of the Middle East," Pahlavi said in a widely shared video. "At the time, Iran's GDP was five times larger than South Korea's. Today, instead, we have become North Korea."

The comparison resonates with Iranians who have watched their country's potential squandered under theocratic rule while Asian economies surged ahead.

European Rallies

Protests in support of Iranian demonstrators have taken place across EU member states. Milan hosted a significant gathering featuring the prince's sister, Princess Noor, who has become an active voice in diaspora mobilisation.

The European dimension reflects both the size of the Iranian diaspora and the continent's historical ties to Iran. Many exiles fled after the 1979 revolution, establishing communities that have maintained Persian language and culture across generations.

For the EU, the question of engagement is delicate. Brussels has invested heavily in diplomatic channels with Tehran, particularly around the nuclear programme. A formal embrace of opposition figures could close those channels entirely.

What Comes After

Critics of the monarchist option note that Iran's political landscape has evolved considerably since 1979. A return to Pahlavi rule is not the only alternative to theocracy, and imposed solutions from exile rarely match the aspirations of those fighting on the ground.

The protesters themselves have used the pre-Islamic lion and sun flag alongside chants against the Supreme Leader, suggesting openness to various post-revolutionary scenarios.

What is clear is that the status quo has lost legitimacy. Reports of systematic violence, including the use of motorcycle-mounted gunmen firing on unarmed crowds, have shattered any remaining pretence that the regime rules by consent.

Whether Pahlavi or another figure leads a transition, the Iranian people have made their demand unmistakable: the Islamic Republic in its current form must go.

Europe's response to that demand will test whether its stated commitment to human rights extends to action when it matters most.