WASHINGTON: Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday said he was prepared to lead a transition to democracy in Iran, claiming growing support among civilians and members of the country’s security forces.
“The Iranian people have called for me to lead, ” Pahlavi said at a news conference in Washington. “I reaffirm my lifelong pledge by stepping in to lead the movement that will take back our country.”
He said his connection with Iranians predated exile. “The bond between me and the Iranian people is not new. It’s been with me since birth, ” he said, adding, “I pledged my life to the service of the Iranian nation.”
Pahlavi said he believed he could ensure an orderly transition. “I am uniquely positioned to ensure a stable transition, ” he said, asserting that “large sections of the army and security forces have already refused to participate in the killing of civilians.”