The exiled Iranian crown prince has expressed his readiness to steer Tehran through a transitional phase “as soon as the Islamic Republic collapses.”
Reza Pahlavi, living in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that deposed his father, the last Shah of Iran, has been actively selecting individuals both within and outside Iran to form what he refers to as a “transitional system.”
The conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran marked its 15th day on Saturday.
In a message to his “compatriots” shared on social media, Pahlavi stated, “Under my leadership, the transitional system will be primed to take control of governance once the Islamic Republic falls. Our goal is to swiftly establish order, security, freedom, and the conditions necessary for Iran’s prosperity and growth,” he declared on Saturday.
Having recently engaged with numerous European leaders, Pahlavi has become a prominent opposition figure since protests against the theocratic regime erupted in late December. However, he has yet to secure President Trump’s support, who remains skeptical about Pahlavi’s influence within Iran to effectively lead its populace.
His proposed transitional government, termed the “Iran Prosperity Project,” outlines a framework for the first 180 days following the Islamic Republic’s downfall. This plan includes conducting a referendum to decide the future system of governance, succeeded by an election.
Saeed Ghasseminejad, Iran advisor at the DC-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, had been leading the process to select members of a transitional body, Pahlavi said.
