Within hours of the first U.S. and Israeli munitions hitting Tehran and other cities across Iran, Pahlavi delivered an address of a similar tone to those since January, but under much different circumstances.
“My dear compatriots, Moments of destiny lie ahead of us,” he began.
“The aid that the President of the United States promised to the brave people of Iran has now arrived. This is a humanitarian intervention; and its target is the Islamic Republic, its repressive apparatus, and its machinery of slaughter—not the country and great nation of Iran,” Pahlavi continued. “But, even with the arrival of this aid, the final victory will still be forged by our hands. It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish the job in this final battle. The time to return to the streets is near.”
US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH ‘PREEMPTIVE’ ATTACK AGAINST IRAN
He declared that the Islamic Republic’s government was “collapsing,” then shifted his focus to the police and military, urging them to defect and join civilian protesters.
“Join the people and help bring about a stable and secure transition. Otherwise, you will go down with Khamenei’s sinking ship and his regime,” Pahlavi said.
Directly addressing Trump, the exiled crown prince urged him to “exercise the utmost caution to preserve the lives of civilians and my compatriots.” He said that the people of Iran were “natural allies,” and would never forget his support “in the most difficult period in contemporary Iranian history.”
Pahlavi told listeners not to take to the streets as the U.S. and Israeli attacks were ongoing.
“I ask you to remain in your homes for now and preserve your safety and security. Stay vigilant and ready so that, at the appropriate time—which I will announce to you precisely—you can return to the streets for the final action,” he said.
“We are very close to final victory. I want to be by your side as soon as possible so that together we can take back and rebuild Iran,” Pahlavi added.
The crown prince’s message was similar to that of Trump, and was released on X just three minutes after the president’s Truth Social address.
Trump focused on his domestic audience in his address, saying the strikes were intended to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” which he described as “a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”
TRUMP ANNOUNCES ‘MASSIVE AND ONGOING OPERATION’ AGAINST IRAN
However, he also devoted a significant amount of time to addressing the Iranian people directly, and members of the military and security services.
“To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces, and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity, or, in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death,” Trump declared.
“Finally, to the great, proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,” he said. “Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere.”
Similar to Pahlavi’s order, Trump said to wait until the U.S. and Israel are finished to “take over your government.
“It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want, so let’s see how you respond,” he said. “America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach.”
“This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass,” he concluded.
US AND ISRAEL LAUNCH ‘PREEMPTIVE’ ATTACK AGAINST IRAN
Pahlavi has emerged as the central figure of the Iranian opposition, gaining prominence and popularity during the wave of protests beginning in December. The most recent round of protests was notable for prominently featuring direct appeals to the crown prince from large crowds.
Pahlavi has been in direct contact with the Trump administration and has been complimented by the president.
