Reza Pahlavi: The People Called Me to Lead and I Will Return to Iran

SadaNews - Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Iranian Shah who was overthrown in 1979, pledged to return to Iran from his exile in the United States.

The 65-year-old did not specify a date for his return, and it remains unclear whether he will be allowed to enter Iran and what consequences he might face as an opposition politician.

Protests erupted across Iran in late December due to the deep economic crisis and rising inflation, quickly escalating into broader demonstrations against the regime.

Pahlavi said in a video message on the platform "X" that the Iranian people are demanding a "new and credible path" forward.

He added that "the battle in Iran today is between occupation and liberation. The Iranian people have called me to lead. I will return to Iran."

He continued by saying that Iranians "are taking action on the ground, and it is now time for the international community to join them."

He concluded his message by stating: "I will return to Iran. The people of Iran have risen to reclaim their country. History will honor those who stand with them."

Pahlavi, who was named crown prince by his father, the late Shah, has lived in exile in the United States for decades.

Protests in Iran may have resulted in the deaths of between 16,500 and 18,000 people, according to figures collected by medical teams and published by the British newspaper "Sunday Times", although it remains impossible to independently verify the toll.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei acknowledged on Saturday for the first time that thousands have been killed during the unrest that has swept the country.

The U.S.-based human rights news agency "Hrana" reported that it has confirmed 3,308 deaths so far, with another 4,382 cases under review.

All figures remain uncertain, as reports of casualties have been hindered by internet shutdowns across the country imposed by Iranian authorities on January 8.