IranWire

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Iranian opposition figure and son of Iran’s last monarch, has issued his first public call to action since the start of the current wave of nationwide protests, urging Iranians to take part in a coordinated act of protest later this week.

In a video message released on Tuesday, coinciding with the tenth day of widespread demonstrations across Iran, Pahlavi called on citizens to chant slogans simultaneously on Thursday and Friday evenings, whether in the streets or from their homes.

His appeal comes amid one of the most sustained periods of civil unrest in recent years, driven by mounting anger over political repression, economic instability, and increasing public demands for systemic change. In his message, Pahlavi said, “Today, I share with you my first call to action. I invite you to chant slogans together this Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., whether you are in the streets or at home. Depending on the response to this movement, I will announce subsequent calls.”

Pahlavi said he has been closely following demonstrations in recent days, including protests in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. This historic commercial center has played a central role in past protest movements. He praised demonstrators for continuing despite violent crackdowns by security forces.

“Despite the regime’s repression, your steadfastness is admirable,” he said. “You have surely seen that large crowds can push back security forces and create space for momentum to shift in your favor. It is therefore crucial to maintain this discipline and broad participation.”

He added that future actions and mobilization efforts would depend on how widely Iranians respond to the coordinated slogan-chanting initiative.

Protests Continue Nationwide

Pahlavi’s call comes as protests that began in late December 2025 continue to spread across cities and towns nationwide. Initially sparked by severe economic pressures, including soaring inflation and the sharp decline of the Iranian rial, the demonstrations have increasingly taken on a political character, with protesters openly challenging the Islamic Republic and its leadership.

In multiple cities, demonstrators have chanted against government corruption, demanded political freedoms and justice, and, in some cases, expressed support for alternative visions for Iran’s future.

Pahlavi, who has lived in exile since the 1979 revolution, has in recent years increased his public engagement through social media and international appearances, positioning himself as a proponent of nonviolent resistance and coordinated nationwide action.