Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi Delivers Bold Vision for Iran’s Future at Munich’s National Cooperation Conference

 

Munich, Germany – July 26, 2025 – In a historic gathering of Iranian opposition forces, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran, delivered a rousing speech at the Convention of National Cooperation to Save Iran, held in Munich, Germany. The event, attended by over 500 activists, artists, athletes, and political figures, marked one of the most diverse assemblies of anti-regime voices since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Pahlavi’s address outlined a five-point strategy to dismantle Iran’s Islamic Republic, rally global support, and pave the way for a democratic, secular, and prosperous Iran. The key pillars of his plan include maximum pressure on the regime, maximum support for the Iranian people, encouraging mass defections, mobilizing and organizing fighters, and launching a comprehensive program for Iran’s economic recovery.

A Call for Unity and Action

Speaking to a passionate audience, Pahlavi declared that the Islamic Republic is at its weakest point in decades, citing its economic collapse, military setbacks, and growing internal dissent. “Ali Khamenei must know: his regime is crumbling,” he asserted, urging Iranians to seize this critical moment to end what he called a “46-year tyranny.” The Crown Prince emphasized the need for a united opposition, bringing together diverse groups—royalists, republicans, secularists, and reformists—under a shared goal of regime change and national renewal.

Pahlavi’s speech was both a rallying cry and a strategic blueprint. He called for a nationwide uprising, supported by coordinated efforts to weaken the regime’s grip. “This is not just a dream; it is a plan,” he said, outlining actionable steps to achieve liberation. His message resonated with attendees, who included prominent figures like Yale University’s Maryam Aslany, who praised Pahlavi’s commitment to a democratic transition and his ability to bridge divides among opposition factions.

Five Pillars for Iran’s Liberation

The Crown Prince structured his vision around five key objectives:

1. Maximum Pressure on the Regime: Pahlavi urged the international community to abandon diplomatic negotiations with Tehran, particularly on the nuclear deal, which he described as a “lifeline for a dying regime.” Instead, he advocated for targeted sanctions, cyberattacks, and symbolic military actions, such as strikes on notorious sites like Evin Prison, to erode the regime’s authority and morale.

2. Maximum Support for Iranians: Highlighting the Iranian people’s resilience, Pahlavi called for global assistance to empower citizens. This includes providing secure internet access, encrypted communication tools, and support for mass strikes to paralyze the regime’s operations. He stressed that the West must prioritize the Iranian people over appeasing the regime’s leadership.

3. Encouraging Mass Defections: Pahlavi revealed that over 50,000 members of Iran’s military, paramilitary, and security forces have contacted his opposition movement, signaling their willingness to defect. To facilitate this, he proposed a secure communication channel to protect defectors and coordinate their efforts, weakening the regime from within.

4. Mobilizing and Organizing Fighters: The Crown Prince called for the creation of a disciplined, organized resistance force to challenge the regime’s security apparatus. He emphasized the importance of training and equipping fighters to ensure a coordinated uprising, drawing inspiration from successful revolutionary movements worldwide.

5. Program for Iran’s Prosperity: At the heart of Pahlavi’s vision is the Iran Prosperity Project, a three-phase economic plan to rebuild the nation post-regime. The Emergency Phase focuses on stabilizing the economy, ensuring food security, and restoring basic services. The Establishment Phase aims to rebuild infrastructure, reform institutions, and attract foreign investment. The Normalization Phase envisions long-term growth, integrating Iran into the global economy as a hub for innovation and trade. Pahlavi promised transparency and inclusivity, ensuring that all Iranians—regardless of ethnicity or religion—benefit from the plan.

A Vision for a Democratic Iran

Pahlavi’s speech was not just about dismantling the Islamic Republic but also about building a new Iran. He pledged a lawful and orderly transition, learning from the chaos of the 1979 revolution. “There will be no revenge, no vendettas,” he said, promising fair trials for regime officials and equal rights for all citizens. He envisioned a secular state where religion is separated from governance, and a referendum would allow Iranians to choose between a constitutional monarchy or a republic.

The Crown Prince also addressed Iran’s diverse ethnic and religious communities, emphasizing the importance of preserving the country’s territorial integrity. “From Kurds to Baluchis, from Sunnis to Zoroastrians, we are all Iranians,” he said, calling for unity to prevent the fragmentation seen in other post-revolutionary states.

International Support and Criticism

Pahlavi directed a significant portion of his speech to the international community, particularly Western governments. He criticized recent nuclear talks as misguided and urged policymakers to support the Iranian opposition with practical tools like satellite internet and funding for grassroots movements. He also called for targeted military actions to signal global resolve, such as precision strikes on regime symbols, while avoiding broader conflict.

However, Pahlavi’s vision is not without controversy. Critics, including some within Iran, question his ties to Israel and his monarchical background, which they fear could alienate segments of the population. Others argue that his leadership, while unifying for some, may struggle to bridge the gap between royalists and staunch republicans. Despite these challenges, supporters like Aslany argue that Pahlavi’s commitment to democracy and his willingness to step aside for a referendum make him a credible figure to lead the transition.

A Historic Gathering

The Munich conference was a landmark event, bringing together a broad spectrum of opposition groups, from secular democrats to ethnic minority representatives. The diversity of attendees underscored Pahlavi’s ability to convene disparate factions under a common cause. The event also featured cultural elements, with performances by Iranian artists and athletes who have faced persecution for their activism.

Pahlavi’s closing remarks were a powerful call to action: “This is our moment. I am with you, on the streets, in the shadows, in every corner of our homeland. Let us build this new Iran together.” The audience responded with a standing ovation, signaling renewed hope for a coordinated push against the regime.

The Road Ahead

As Iran’s opposition gains momentum, Pahlavi’s speech has set the stage for a critical phase in the struggle for regime change. His emphasis on defections, international support, and economic planning offers a concrete path forward, but challenges remain. The regime’s brutal crackdowns on dissent, combined with economic hardships and regional tensions, create a volatile environment. Yet, for the first time in decades, the opposition appears united behind a clear leader and a shared vision.