The exiled son of Iran's last shah has called for anti-government actions in his homeland to coincide with protests in Germany and other countries, as the key opposition figure was due to speak at the Munich security conference.
US-based Reza Pahlavi, who has not returned to his country since before the 1979 Islamic revolution that ousted the monarchy, called for protests on Saturday in Munich, Toronto and Los Angeles to demand international action on Iran, AFP reported.
In an X post on Thursday, Pahlavi urged Iranians inside the country to join in by chanting slogans from their homes and rooftops, after street protests that peaked in January were violently suppressed by authorities in a crackdown that rights groups say left thousands dead.
Pahlavi said that Iranians abroad would demonstrate on Saturday "to mobilize broader international support" for what he described as "Iran's Lion and Sun Revolution", a reference to the insignia on the imperial flag.
"In this spirit, I invite you, on the evenings of February 14 and 15 at 8:00 pm, to raise your voices and chant from your homes and rooftops. Shout your demands. Show your unity. With an unbreakable will, we will prevail over this occupying regime," he added.
Pahlavi is due to address the Munich Security Conference at 1745 GMT on Friday, a rare chance for him to speak at an international event.
Videos verified by AFP showed people in Iran this week chanting anti-government slogans as the clerical leadership celebrated the anniversary of the Islamic revolution, despite the ongoing crackdown.
According to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, 7,005 people, mostly protesters, were killed in the crackdown, though rights groups warn the toll is likely far higher.
Pahlavi had encouraged Iranians to join the wave of protests, which caused US President Donald Trump to threaten military action in their support -- a move Pahlavi has urged.
Iranian authorities have blamed the violence on "rioters" instigated by their sworn enemies the United States and Israel, which waged a 12-day war against Iran in June.
Many protest chants had called for the monarchy's return, and Pahlavi, 65, has said he is ready to lead a democratic transition in the country.
The Iranian opposition remains divided and Pahlavi has faced criticism for his support for Israel, making a highly publicised visit in 2023 that fractured an attempt to unify opposition camps. He has also never distanced himself from his father's autocratic rule.
