Shah's Son Praises 'Revolution' of Iranian Women, Calls for Establishment of Democratic System

Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a press conference. (AFP)
Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a press conference. (AFP)
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Shah's Son Praises 'Revolution' of Iranian Women, Calls for Establishment of Democratic System

Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a press conference. (AFP)
Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a press conference. (AFP)

Iran's Former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi praised the latest wave of protests led by women, calling for a regime change in Iran and a transitional government to establish a "democratic system."

During a press conference in Washington, Pahlavi addressed the Iranian women leading the country's first women's revolution, supported by their husbands, fathers, and children.

"They wanted women to be slaves to men, but you, Iran's women, with the support of your husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons, have started the first women's revolution in history," he said.

Pahlavi called for forming an interim government acceptable to all to establish an alternative democratic political system.

He said that he does not "see any role for myself. Our only goal is to reach the day people go to the polls freely."

"I have never sought power and will not be a defender of any form of government in future elections. I respect all forms of democratic government."

He indicated that the reason for the citizens' trust in him is not to engage in partisan political games and competitions, asserting that Iranians do not want an autocracy.

Pahlavi called on jurists to prepare a draft of the Iranian constitution, saying the shape of the political system is not a priority.

He reiterated that the plan must include establishing a "pluralistic transitional government" after the fall of the Islamic Republic, where the parliament will be the highest decision-making authority in the country.

He concluded that regime change is a demand of the Iranian people, and has nothing to do with the will of other countries, calling for international support, reported BBC Farsi.

Pahlavi accused the authorities of trying to "intimidate" Iranians of division and accusing Kurds and Baluchis of separatism, noting that protesters responded with slogans against the rules.

Pahlavi called on the UN to form a special committee to investigate the killing of children and the repression of students, describing the incidents in Ardabil as a "crime against humanity and systematic harm to children."



Pope Meets World Diplomats, Stresses Peace and Dignity of Migrants

A handout picture provided by the Vatican Media shows Pope Leo XIV during the audience with the Eastern Churches celebrating their Jubilee, in Vatican City, 14 May 2025. (EPA / Vatican Media handout)
A handout picture provided by the Vatican Media shows Pope Leo XIV during the audience with the Eastern Churches celebrating their Jubilee, in Vatican City, 14 May 2025. (EPA / Vatican Media handout)
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Pope Meets World Diplomats, Stresses Peace and Dignity of Migrants

A handout picture provided by the Vatican Media shows Pope Leo XIV during the audience with the Eastern Churches celebrating their Jubilee, in Vatican City, 14 May 2025. (EPA / Vatican Media handout)
A handout picture provided by the Vatican Media shows Pope Leo XIV during the audience with the Eastern Churches celebrating their Jubilee, in Vatican City, 14 May 2025. (EPA / Vatican Media handout)

Pope Leo XIV, in his first address to world diplomats at the Vatican, said on Friday that the dignity of migrants had to be respected, while also calling on nations to halt the production of weapons and prioritize peace efforts. 

The pope, who comes from the United States and lived for many years in Peru, described himself as a "descendant of immigrants" and called for compassion and solidarity with displaced persons. 

Pope Leo also used his speech to restate the Church's traditional teaching on marriage, affirming that it is a "stable union between a man and a woman" and underscoring the importance of family as a foundation for harmony in society. 

Leo, who was elected pope last week, wove his speech around the themes of peace, justice, religious freedom, the root causes of conflicts and the need for multi-lateral diplomacy. 

He said his experience of having lived in North and South America and his world travels had given him the ability to "transcend borders in order to encounter different peoples and cultures". 

Leo also indicated that he would continue in the tradition of his predecessors to travel the world. 

He reaffirmed the Church's position against abortion and said the Church would not hesitate to use "blunt language" to speak the truth to the powerful of the world. 

He specifically mentioned only the Middle East and Ukraine, saying they were two of the places where people were suffering "most grievously" today.