Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Urges Military to Abandon Regime

Reza Pahlavi calls on Iran's armed forces to lay down arms and join the people against the current government.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Following the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran, exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has called on the country's military to abandon the ruling regime and side with the Iranian people. Pahlavi stated that the American and Israeli efforts to weaken Iran's security apparatus have broad public support, and accused the leadership of using civilians as "human shields." He urged soldiers and officers to join the people in a free Iran.

Why it matters

The transition of power in Iran's leadership is a pivotal moment, with the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei expected to take a more hardline stance than his predecessor. Pahlavi's call for the military to defect could further destabilize the regime and embolden ongoing protests against the government.

The details

In a post on X, Pahlavi said the Iranian people broadly support efforts by the United States and Israel to weaken the Islamic Republic's security apparatus, while accusing the leadership of using civilians as 'human shields.' He directly addressed Iran's armed forces, urging them to 'lay down your arms and join the people' as there will be 'a place for you in a free Iran' if they do so.

  • On March 9, 2026, Reza Pahlavi made the public call for Iran's military to abandon the regime.
  • On March 6, 2026, Iran's Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran.

The players

Reza Pahlavi

The exiled crown prince of Iran, who has long opposed the Islamic Republic's government from abroad.

Mojtaba Khamenei

The newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, who is expected to take a more hardline stance than his predecessor.

Iran's military

The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which Pahlavi is urging to defect and join the people against the regime.

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What they’re saying

“The American and Israeli resolve to decimate the Revolutionary Guards and dismantle the Islamic Republic's infrastructure of terror has the broad support of the Iranian people.”

— Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Iranian Crown Prince (X)

“The current regime's despicable use of Iranians as human shields is a crime against humanity. The safety of civilians and the protection of Iran's vital, national infrastructure must remain a priority.”

— Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Iranian Crown Prince (X)

“To Iran's own military: lay down your arms and join the people. If you do, there will be a place for you in a free Iran.”

— Reza Pahlavi, Exiled Iranian Crown Prince (X)

What’s next

The situation in Iran remains highly volatile, with the transition of power to the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei expected to further inflame tensions. The international community will be closely watching to see if Pahlavi's call for the military to defect gains any traction, and whether this leads to further unrest or a potential shift in the balance of power.

The takeaway

Pahlavi's public appeal to Iran's military highlights the deep divisions within the country, as the regime faces growing domestic opposition and international pressure. The appointment of the hardline Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader suggests the government is doubling down on its authoritarian rule, underscoring the urgency for political change from both within and outside Iran.