Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Appeals to Trump to Avoid Bunker-Buster Attack
In a pivotal moment for Iran, the exiled Crown Prince, Reza Pahlavi, has declared that the Islamic Republic is on the verge of collapse, describing it as a “frightened rat” losing control. In an exclusive interview with Martha, Pahlavi shared his insights on the rapidly deteriorating situation in Iran, where widespread unrest and defections within the military and intelligence sectors signal a potential end to the regime established in 1979 under Ayatollah Khomeini.
The 1979 Islamic Revolution ousted Pahlavi’s father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and his mother, Empress Farah, forcing the royal family into exile. The revolution promised freedom but instead ushered in decades of repression, with the regime cracking down on dissenters, imprisoning women, and stifling free expression. Now, Pahlavi asserts that the Iranian people are reclaiming their future, with protests erupting across the country, particularly in Tehran, despite severe communication blackouts imposed by the regime.
“The regime’s control is almost collapsing,” Pahlavi stated, citing reports from military and intelligence personnel indicating internal fractures. “The regime has cut off the nation from communication—internet and landlines are down. People cannot reach their loved ones, but we will overcome this.” He emphasized the resilience of Iranians, who continue to protest despite executions, torture, and brutal crackdowns. “They believe victory is near, and the world must stand with them,” he urged, calling for global moral support to amplify the movement.
Pahlavi highlighted a significant development: defections within the military and intelligence sectors. “In the past 48 hours, many have reached out, ready to peel away from the regime and join the people,” he revealed. These defectors, he said, recognize their duty to protect the nation rather than serve a regime that “doesn’t care about our country.” This shift, Pahlavi believes, could accelerate the regime’s downfall without external military intervention.
Addressing reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a bunker-buster bomb strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility, Pahlavi expressed caution. “The risk of radiation is a critical concern,” he noted, urging restraint. “The people themselves are a stronger force than any bomb. The regime is crumbling, its air defenses and retaliatory capabilities dismantled. A strategic pause could allow the Iranian people to overthrow the regime organically.” He stressed that empowering the populace is the most effective way to neutralize the regime’s threat, rendering military action unnecessary at this stage.
Pahlavi’s vision for Iran’s future centers on a democratic transition, but he clarified he does not seek power. “I don’t need a title to serve as a transitional leader,” he said. “The trust people have in me, built over 44 years, allows me to unite them around a common agenda.” His focus remains on facilitating a democratic alternative, avoiding premature discussions about governance structures. “We must be patient and focus on the mission at hand,” he added, emphasizing unity over personal ambition.
The Crown Prince’s remarks come amid escalating tensions and a historic opportunity for change. The regime’s desperate measures, including communication blackouts, have failed to quell the protests, which Pahlavi described as “irreversible.” He called on the international community to support the Iranian people, not just to address the nuclear threat but to resolve the broader issues stemming from the regime’s oppressive rule.
As Iran stands at a crossroads, Pahlavi’s message resonates with hope and urgency. “The people are the ultimate factor,” he said, warning that the regime fears their empowerment most. With defections growing and protests intensifying, the Islamic Republic’s grip on power appears increasingly tenuous. The world watches as Iranians, led by voices like Pahlavi’s, strive for a future free from the shadow of 1979.
