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."



3 Pakistani Soldiers and 8 Militants Killed During a Raid on Insurgents' Hideout

Pakistani security official stands guard at a checkpoint in Karachi, Pakistan, 29 October 2024.  EPA/REHAN KHAN
Pakistani security official stands guard at a checkpoint in Karachi, Pakistan, 29 October 2024. EPA/REHAN KHAN
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3 Pakistani Soldiers and 8 Militants Killed During a Raid on Insurgents' Hideout

Pakistani security official stands guard at a checkpoint in Karachi, Pakistan, 29 October 2024.  EPA/REHAN KHAN
Pakistani security official stands guard at a checkpoint in Karachi, Pakistan, 29 October 2024. EPA/REHAN KHAN

Three soldiers and eight militants were killed after Pakistani security forces backed by military helicopters raided a hideout in a former stronghold of insurgents in a restive province bordering Afghanistan on Wednesday, police said.
A local militant commander was believed to be among those killed in the operation in Bannu, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local police official Zahid Ullah said.
The military said a major was among the soldiers “martyred” during the intelligence-based operation, adding that its forces were going after other militants in the area "to wipe out the menace of terrorism”, The Associated Press reported.
Authorities often carry out such operations against the Pakistani Taliban, who are known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP.
The TTP — an ally of the Afghan Taliban despite being a separate group — has stepped up its assaults in the region since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Government forces have also intensified their operations against separatist groups based in the restive southwestern Balochistan province.