Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince of Iran who has been living in exile in the United States since the 1979 revolution, issued a public statement on 20 May 2024 calling for the international community to assist Iranian protesters in removing the government of the Islamic Republic. The call was directed at state and non‑state actors around the globe, with a focus on diplomatic and economic measures. _2_

Pahlavi’s appeal highlighted the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a primary target, proposing what he described as “surgical strikes” to disrupt the Guard’s operations. The statement further outlined the alleged role of the Guard in suppressing dissent, particularly during the recent wave of demonstrations that began in early March 2024 and spread to major cities including Tehran, Isfahan, and Mashhad. Under the auspices of the Iranian government, the Guard has been repeatedly cited as responsible for arrests, intimidation, and the use of force against protestors. The former crown prince’s position, according to the press release, is anchored in a desire to secure a more democratic future for Iran by dismantling the power structure that he claims perpetuates political repression. _3_

The broader political context involves the New York‑based Iranian diaspora, many of whom have formed political associations that support reforms and call for civil resistance. While Pahlavi’s proposals have received a mix of support and criticism worldwide, the call for action has intensified discussions within international bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council. The UN report released in April 2024 documented the ongoing situation of human rights abuses within Iran, noting that the government’s handling of protests has drawn global scrutiny. In response, several countries have upheld diplomatic pressure, and the U.S. State Department has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil society actors in Iran. The situation remains dynamic, with movements for reform and calls for intervention coexisting amid a complex regional landscape.