Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called for support for protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s government. Speaking at a press conference in Washington on 16 January, Pahlavi outlined plans to return to Iran and called for action against the country’s Revolutionary Guards.

Pahlavi said a “surgical strike” on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would “facilitate our task and prevent more loss of life,” as demonstrations across Iran continue.

Asked about future leadership in Iran, Pahlavi said it was “for the Iranian people to decide,” while adding that he believed he had the support of the population and was seeking to “help them liberate themselves.”

Pahlavi mentioned plans to implement a new constitution and stated that he is confident the Islamic Republic “will fall — not if, but when.”

Reza Pahlavi claimed some members of Iran’s security apparatus refused to participate in the crackdown and that foreign militia fighters were brought in to suppress demonstrations.

Before the press conference, a moment of silence was observed for protesters killed during the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and UK have reduced personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar as a precautionary measure.

U.S. President Donald Trump previously warned Iran against killing protesters and said he would take “very strong action” if executions occurred, without ruling out military measures.

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Iran’s parliament speaker has warned that any U.S. strike could make Israel and United States military and shipping centres in the region legitimate targets.

Pahlavi has emerged as a leading figure in Iran’s fragmented opposition and has repeatedly called upon the citizens to escalate protests, which continue despite the possible risk of deadly reprisals.

Human rights groups say more than 2,000 protesters have been killed since unrest began on 28 December over economic grievances and escalated into calls for the end of Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei’s rule.

Iranian authorities have labelled the protests as “riots” backed by foreign enemies, and protesters have faced deadly force amid a near-total shutdown of internet and communications.

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