When Iran’s 1979 revolution overthrew his father’s 40-year dictatorship, Reza Pahlavi was just 16 years old. He was the first in line to inherit the oil-rich, millennium-old empire as the eldest son of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. His wait may now be coming to an end at the age of 65, over fifty years after his birthright was unraveled.
This is the final conflict. One of the most notable shouts from the statewide demonstrations that swept Iran on Thursday night was “Pahlavi will return!” after the exiled former crown prince urged his countrymen to take to the streets. “Javid Shah (long live the king)” the demonstrators exclaimed. “God bless your soul, Reza Shah!
Days of protests citing economic issues that started in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and swiftly shifted to an anti-regime bent culminated in Thursday’s demonstrations. Based in the United States, Pahlavi has attempted to establish himself as a de facto leader. Iranian society, which led a popular movement to topple the Shah’s despotism, has long disapproved of support for the overthrown dynasty, making it illegal.
Analysts say it’s unknown what could be causing the increased enthusiasm for the royal family and its titular monarch in exile. Do Iranians truly want the monarchy to return, or are they simply tired of their oppressive theocracy?
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