Reza Pahlavi, the former crown prince of Iran who is now living in exile, told remaining authorities and security personnel on Sunday to side with the Iranian people. He also said that he may be a transitional leader if the Islamic Republic collapses.
In a lengthy statement posted on X, Pahlavi declared Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “gone” and said the Islamic Republic was entering its final phase. He called on remaining officials to “surrender” to the Iranian people, declare support for what he described as his transition plan, and hand over power “without more bloodshed.” He also warned against any attempt by the ruling system to appoint a successor, arguing that any replacement would lack legitimacy and share responsibility for the regime’s actions.
Pahlavi told military, police, and security personnel that their weapons should be used to protect the public, not the state, and urged them to join what he described as a rising movement. He called on Iranians inside the country to stay alert and prepare for a major street presence soon, while asking Iranians abroad to increase pressure and amplify calls for the regime’s complete collapse.
Later Sunday, Iranian state television also announced Khamenei’s death. “God is great… With deep sorrow, it is announced to the nation of Iran that Grand Ayatollah Ali Khamenei… was martyred today in a joint criminal attack by the United States and the Zionist regime,” an anchor said on-air.
Iran’s government declared 40 days of national mourning and seven days of official holiday, according to Tasnim News Agency.
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