In this exclusive interview, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi reflects on a life shaped by revolution, responsibility, and resilience. Born into Iran’s royal family, he shares intimate stories of his upbringing, his father’s approach to leadership, and the fall of the Pahlavi dynasty during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Forced into exile as a teenager, Pahlavi recounts his journey of adapting to a new life, the challenges of leadership in exile, and his enduring vision for a free, secular, and democratic Iran.

00:00:00 Introduction to Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi of Iran
00:01:05 Growing up in the Iran Shah family: preparing for leadership in Iran
00:02:00 What was the Iranian Revolution? Reza Pahlavi on its impact on his life
00:03:06 Reflections on Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s modernization efforts
00:05:18 Early responsibilities as the Crown Prince
00:07:01 Adapting to life in exile: reclaiming Iranian identity and purpose after leaving Iran
00:11:52 Iranian political challenges: lessons in leadership, loneliness, & public expectation
00:19:46 Middle East political history explained, and the impact of the Iranian revolution
00:27:37 Reflections on family and fatherhood
00:38:01 Farah Pahlavi’s influence and the role of women in Iran
01:02:54 Human rights in Iran: the fight against violations
01:14:02 Vision for democracy in Iran and the Middle East
01:28:10 Iranian youth: hope and responsibility for the future
01:50:05 Path to restoring Iranian identity

About Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
Born on October 31, 1960, in Tehran, Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of the late Mohammad Reza Shah and Empress Farah Pahlavi. Named Crown Prince in 1967, his life changed dramatically after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which forced his family into exile and established a theocratic regime that barred his return. A graduate in political science from the University of Southern California and a trained jet fighter pilot, Pahlavi has spent over four decades advocating for freedom, democracy, and human rights in Iran. He calls for non-violent regime change and a secular democracy, engaging with global leaders, Iranian opposition groups, and citizens worldwide.

Interviewee: Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran
Interviewed by: Brandon Stanton
Interview Date: September 8, 2024
Original Episode Title: The Exiled Crown Prince

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