The exiled heir to the Iranian throne has made a direct plea to the new Labour government in the UK, urging it to stand with the Iranian people during a critical wave of anti-regime protests. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who fled Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, claims to be spearheading a sophisticated operation to encourage defections from within the country's security forces.
A Secret Channel for Defection
In exclusive comments, the 65-year-old prince revealed to The Mail on Sunday that his team has established a secure defection channel using a QR code. This system, broadcast on opposition outlets like Iran International, is designed to allow members of Iran's military and the feared Revolutionary Guard to secretly pledge support for a new democratic government.
Tens of thousands of security personnel have already used the encrypted channel, according to a source close to the prince. "The QR code allows the police and military and even the hated Iranian Revolutionary Guard to confidentially pledge their support for a regime change," the source stated, emphasising that the code cannot be decrypted by the authorities.
Protests and a Plea to London
The appeal to Prime Minister Keir Starmer comes amid significant unrest inside Iran. On Friday night, thousands of protesters took to the streets in major cities, chanting "Bring back Pahlavi!" as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed not to back down.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that more than 200 people were shot dead in the capital, Tehran, during the recent demonstrations. The regime has responded by blocking internet and phone services in an attempt to stifle dissent.
"The Iranian people are moving forward with great courage and determination," Prince Pahlavi said. "In the last few days they have responded to my calls to action in their millions. I hope the UK Government will stand with the people in their hour of need."
A Strategy for Peaceful Transition
Pahlavi's strategy hinges on fracturing the regime from within. He argues that a peaceful transition is only possible with the support of elements inside the current power structure. "A key pillar of my strategy... lies in working with those inside the regime who choose to break from it and stand with the people," he explained.
The protests, which began on December 28, were initially sparked by the collapse of the Iranian currency. Sources indicate the unrest has led to at least 2,300 arrests – including nine children – and the deaths of 65 protesters and 15 security personnel.
Prince Pahlavi, who says the regime is "deeply frightened," has declared his readiness to return. "The time is now," he asserted. "Do not simply observe the birth of a new Iran, work with us to ensure that it is peaceful, stable, and worthy of the sacrifices its people are making."
