AFP:

The widow of Iran's last shah has told AFP there is "no turning back" after a wave of protests against the country's clerical authorities, saying she is convinced the Iranian people will emerge victorious.

Driven into exile with her husband in January 1979 during a popular revolution that brought the Islamic republic to power, Farah Pahlavi said her "desire" and "need today are to return to Iran", in an exclusive interview with AFP.

Posing in front of Iran's former flag, emblazoned with a lion and a sun, the 87-year-old former empress, welcomed AFP to her Paris apartment for a photo session after agreeing to answer questions in writing in French about the situation in her homeland.

Triggered on December 28 by smaller protests over economic hardship, nationwide rallies surged in Iran on January 8, challenging the Islamic republic in power for over four decades. The protests were met with a crackdown that rights groups say has left thousands dead.

Question: What message would you like to send to the Iranian people after the recent nationwide protests?

Answer: I want to say to young Iranians: today you are writing, with immense courage, a new chapter of history... for Iran and for the world.

Maintain hope and determination, you will be the victors of this unequal confrontation with the Islamic republic.

To my children, daughters and sons of Iran, to my sisters and brothers -- mothers and fathers of Iran's noble youth -- I extend my admiration.

Q: Do you still have hope despite the suppression of the protests?

A: To date, thousands of these dignified and courageous young people have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their country. And God alone knows how many more will still fall at the hands of this criminal regime before our Iran once again becomes a free land.

One thing is now certain: there is no turning back. This path is one‑way -- it leads to freedom -- and every day, tragically, it is drenched in the blood of the daughters and sons of this land. Such a sacrifice demands victory.

This victory will not only be that of my country, it will also be that of peace, security and stability in the world.

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