Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has issued an urgent appeal to the United States, calling for immediate intervention as anti-government protests in Iran escalated sharply, resulting in dozens of reported deaths and a sweeping communications blackout across the country. The appeal came just hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly criticised US President Donald Trump in a rare and strongly worded address.
According to reports emerging from opposition sources, at least 20 people were killed within a 24-hour period, taking the total death toll to 62 since demonstrations began nearly two weeks ago. The protests were triggered by rising inflation and economic distress but have since evolved into a broader movement challenging Iran’s clerical leadership.
In a series of messages posted online, Pahlavi described the situation on the ground as increasingly dire. He claimed that millions of Iranians had taken to the streets despite facing live ammunition and mass arrests. He further alleged that authorities imposed a nationwide communications shutdown, cutting off internet services and landline connections in an effort to suppress information and coordinate a crackdown.
Calling the moment critical, Pahlavi urged Washington to be prepared to support the Iranian people. He framed his appeal as a humanitarian and democratic necessity, stating that time was running out as protesters continued to mobilise despite the risks. He credited earlier warnings from the US leadership for restraining security forces, but cautioned that the blackout could be used to carry out violence away from international scrutiny.
Khamenei, in his first public remarks since the protests erupted, strongly condemned Trump and drew historical parallels to past rulers he claimed had fallen due to arrogance and tyranny. He warned that external pressure would not determine Iran’s future and accused foreign powers of seeking to destabilise the country.
Despite the threats, demonstrations have continued across multiple cities. Posters of Reza Pahlavi have reportedly appeared on streets, accompanied by chants calling for the restoration of the monarchy. For many protesters, Pahlavi has emerged as a symbolic figure representing an alternative to the current political system, even as he remains in exile decades after the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew his father, Iran’s last monarch.
Pahlavi has repeatedly called on Iranians to sustain peaceful mass protests, arguing that overwhelming numbers can neutralise security forces. He has also accused the current leadership of fearing the collapse of its authority and resorting to violence to maintain control.
Meanwhile, diplomatic signals from Washington remain cautious. While Pahlavi is scheduled to meet Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort next week, the US President has publicly expressed hesitation about formal engagement at this stage. The White House has not announced any immediate policy shift, even as international attention remains fixed on Iran’s rapidly evolving crisis.
As protests enter their twelfth day, the situation continues to test Iran’s internal stability and its relations with the international community, with global leaders closely watching whether diplomatic pressure or direct intervention will follow.
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