Reza Pahlavi Advocates for Regime Change in Iran at CPAC

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran, delivered a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, asserting that freedom in Iran is "within reach." Pahlavi emphasized the need for a complete regime change, stating, “The Islamic Republic cannot reform itself. You cannot reform a snake. Venom is in its DNA.” He urged the United States to maintain its military operations against Iran and not to allow any faction of the current regime to remain in power, warning that doing so would enable the mullahs to rebuild and continue hostilities against America.

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Pahlavi's remarks come amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East, particularly with Iranian-backed groups like the Houthis launching strikes on Israel. He praised U.S. military actions against Tehran, including those that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and called for the U.S. to "pave the way for the Iranian people to finish the job." He expressed that the Iranian people's sacrifices in their struggle against the regime would not lead them to accept another tyrant, stating, “There is a sea of blood between the people and the regime.”

The Hill

Throughout his speech, Pahlavi expressed gratitude towards former President Donald Trump, stating, “President Trump is making America great again. I intend to make Iran great again.” He called for a partnership between a free Iran and the United States, envisioning a future where both nations stand together as allies. Pahlavi also noted that factions within Iran have shown willingness to collaborate with him, which he believes could help prevent chaos during a transition of power.

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Despite Pahlavi's strong advocacy for regime change, Trump has expressed skepticism about his potential leadership in a post-war Iran, suggesting that a moderate figure within Iran might be more suitable to lead the country forward. This highlights a divide in perspectives on the best path for Iran's future governance.

Pahlavi's vision for Iran includes a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, where he believes that a free Iran could lead to peace and prosperity for the region. He posited that the year 2026 could mark the rebirth of a 2,500-year-old civilization, referencing the ancient Persian Empire. His speech resonated with the audience, who chanted his name and expressed support for his vision of a democratic Iran.

• “A free Iran is within reach right now, but as we all know, freedom never comes free.” — Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Crown Prince of Iran

The Hill

• “We prefer to die standing than to live kneeling,” — Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Crown Prince of Iran

• “There’s a sea of blood between the people and the regime,” — Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Crown Prince of Iran

Pahlavi's call for action and his vision for a democratic Iran continue to spark discussions about the future of the country and its relationship with the United States.