Acid test for Reza Pahlavi? Protests in Iran escalate after call from exiled prince

In a new wave of protests in Iran, people took to the streets in Tehran on Thursday night, following a call for action from the nation's exiled crown prince. Internet and phone services were reportedly cut off throughout Iran soon after.

The protests are seen as the first major test of influence for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. His father, the shah, left Iran just before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. During the rallies, some protesters were heard chanting in support of the former shah. In the past, such actions could have had severe consequences, but today they highlight the deep public anger over Iran's struggling economy. The demonstrations on Thursday were a continuation of protests that began in cities and towns across Iran the day before. Many markets closed in solidarity with the protesters. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, the unrest has led to at least 39 deaths and over 2,260 arrests.

As the protests grow, they put more pressure on Iran's government and its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Unlike the response to the 2022 Mahsa Amini demonstrations, authorities have not yet implemented a complete internet shutdown or a massive deployment of security forces, though this could change if the situation escalates.

So far, these protests have not had a clear leader. However, the call to action from the exiled crown prince will show how much influence messages from outside the country have on the demonstrators.

AP quoted Nate Swanson, an Iran expert at the Atlantic Council in Washington, as saying that the past protests in Iran have often been weakened by the lack of a clear alternative leader, and that while many potential leaders exist within Iran, the country's security forces have consistently arrested, persecuted, or exiled them, preventing anyone from rising to prominence.

What was Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s message?

Pahlavi urged people to protest at 8pm local time on Thursday and Friday. Witnesses reported that as the time arrived, chanting broke out across Tehran's neighbourhoods. People shouted slogans like "Death to the dictator!" and "Death to the Islamic Republic!", while others voiced support for the former monarchy.

In a statement, Pahlavi said: "Great nation of Iran, the eyes of the world are upon you. Take to the streets and, as a united front, shout your demands." He also issued a warning to the government: "I warn the Islamic Republic, its leader and the (Revolutionary Guard) that the world and (President Donald Trump) are closely watching you. Suppression of the people will not go unanswered."

Pahlavi mentioned he would announce his next steps based on the public's response to his call.

His connection with Israel has faced criticism before, especially following a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June. While some demonstrators have chanted in support of the shah, it is unclear if this support is for Pahlavi personally or a general wish to go back to the era before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

What has been Iran’s response to the protests?

While Iranian officials have not publicly commented on the protests, there have been reports of violence against security forces. The Mizan news agency reported a police colonel was fatally stabbed near Tehran. Separately, the Fars news agency stated that gunmen killed two security members and injured 30 in the city of Lordegan.

Additionally, a provincial official told state television that an attack on a police station in Chenaran on Wednesday night resulted in five deaths.

It is not yet clear why Iranian authorities have chosen a more restrained approach to the current protests. Last week, US President Trump warned that there would be consequences if the government used deadly force against peaceful demonstrators.

Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly criticised these remarks. The ministry called the US expressions of concern "hypocritical", citing a long history of American interference in Iran's domestic affairs.

Iran has experienced several waves of nationwide protests over the last few years. The latest unrest follows a severe economic downturn. After a conflict with Israel in June and tightening sanctions, Iran's currency, the rial, plummeted in December to 1.4 million per US dollar, sparking the protests against the government.