About Reza Pahlavi
Reza Pahlavi
A comprehensive strategy for Iran's transition to democracy and prosperity
Leader of the National Uprising
For over four decades, Reza Pahlavi has been working towards achieving national glory, freedom, legal and political equality for Iran and Iranians, and a democratic and accountable government. In this path, he acts as a link between freedom-seeking Iranians.
Timeline
Over four decades fighting for the Iranian people.
Birth and Coronation as Crown Prince
Reza Pahlavi was born in Tehran on October 31, 1960, as the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Shah and Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi. He was officially named Crown Prince in 1967 at the time of his father's coronation.
Childhood and Youth in Iran: Youngest Jet Fighter Pilot
Reza Pahlavi lived in his own palace in Tehran from the age of six. His daily routine included language learning, history studies, court etiquette, and sports. Following his father's educational path, he began flight training at the age of 13, and in 1977, successfully completed his first solo flight in an F-5 fighter jet at Dezful Air Base, becoming Iran's youngest pilot.
Early Exile Years: Advanced Flight Training and University Education
Reza Pahlavi traveled to America in the summer of 1978 to complete his flight training at Reese Air Force Base in Texas, where he underwent advanced jet fighter pilot training. During this training period, unrest in Iran intensified. The monarchy fell and he could no longer return to Iran. Reza Pahlavi completed his flight training in Texas and then began his university studies in Political Science at the University of Southern California (USC), receiving his bachelor's degree in 1985. In addition to Persian, he is fluent in English and French.
Marriage and Family
Reza Pahlavi married Yasmine Etemad-Amini on June 12, 1986. Yasmine is a law graduate from George Washington University and has dedicated many years to working as an attorney for children's rights. Reza Pahlavi and Yasmine Etemad-Amini have three children from their marriage: Noor Pahlavi (born April 1992), Iman Pahlavi (born September 1993), and Farah Pahlavi (born January 17, 2004).
Four Decades of Tireless Struggle for Iran's Freedom and Salvation
Despite exile, Reza Pahlavi has devoted all his efforts over the past four decades to Iran's freedom and salvation. He began his efforts from the first days after his father's death in Cairo. Throughout these years, Reza Pahlavi has emphasized that he fights for the freedom of the Iranian nation, not to reclaim his throne. His effort is focused on creating a space for the Iranian people to choose their desired political system based on democratic principles. Therefore, creating national unity to fight against the Islamic Republic and overthrow it has been his primary goal. During these years, Reza Pahlavi endured severe political and family turmoil: the execution and assassination of patriotic soldiers and officials, including the assassination of his cousin Captain Shahriar Shafiq, the years of the Iraq-Iran war, the repression and killing of the Iranian people, his father's severe illness and death in exile, as well as the tragic deaths of his younger brother and sister, Prince Alireza and Princess Leila. All of these, though leaving an eternal sorrow in his heart, made him more determined in the path to liberating his homeland.
Accepting Leadership of Iran's National Uprising
In over four decades of national struggle against the Islamic Republic regime, Reza Pahlavi has always been viewed as the primary alternative figure in exile. On this basis, he considered it his duty to be the voice of the Iranian people to the world. From the Cyrus Day gathering in November 2016, and then in the nationwide uprisings of December 2017, November 2019, and the 2022 uprising following the killing of Mahsa Amini, expressions of affection for the Pahlavi family and Reza Pahlavi took to the streets, and the Pahlavi name was chanted throughout Iran. After the suppression of the 2022 protests, requests for Reza Pahlavi to accept leadership of Iran's national uprising grew more extensive. Finally, on November 14, 2024, Reza Pahlavi announced in a video statement that, at the request of his compatriots, he was ready to lead the national revolution and the transition period. He accordingly introduced his five-pillar strategy for democratic transition. On this path, Reza Pahlavi works tirelessly for national unity, the overthrow of the Islamic Republic, the establishment of a national government, and the reconstruction and prosperity of Iran.
Fundamental Principles
Core values for a free and democratic Iran
Publications
Books and works published by Reza Pahlavi
Past and Future (Gozashteh va Ayandeh)
This Persian-language book takes a look at Iran's contemporary history and the country's future prospects from Reza Pahlavi's perspective.
Winds of Change: The Future of Democracy in Iran
In this book, Reza Pahlavi explains his vision for the future of democracy in Iran and the path of transition from the rule of the Islamic Republic to a democratic system.
IRAN: L'Heure du Choix (Time of Choice)
In this book, Reza Pahlavi examines the challenges facing Iran and the necessity of choosing a democratic path for the country's future.