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Protests Surge in Iran as Exiled Prince Plans Return

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Protests in Iran have intensified since December 28 as demonstrators call for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince, to return.
He says the regime is weaker than ever.
He cites brutal repression, including reports of mass killings.
He plans a return to Iran to oversee a transition to democracy, and he notes that intervention by the United States could hasten the regime's collapse.

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Story summary

Protests in Iran have intensified since December 28 as demonstrators call for Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince, to return.
He says the regime is weaker than ever.
He cites brutal repression, including reports of mass killings.
He plans a return to Iran to oversee a transition to democracy, and he notes that intervention by the United States could hasten the regime's collapse.