Exiled Iranian Crown Prince urges protesters onto streets as Islamic Republic ‘deeply frightened’

Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, the Crown Prince said his country is facing a "historic moment" as widespread protests have rocked more than 100 cities across Iran.

Mr Pahlavi said: "In all these years, I’ve never seen an opportunity as we see today in Iran. Iranian people are more than ever committed to bringing an end to this regime, as the world has witnessed the last few days.

"The levels of demonstrations are unprecedented in Iran - over 100 cities, millions of people in the streets chanting ‘death to the dictator’ and ‘end to this regime.’

"By God, it is about time that Iran gets its opportunity to free itself from a tyrannical regime."

After Wednesday's demonstrations, Mr Pahlavi told the protesters that their "presence across Iran was unprecedented" and it had left Mr Khamenei's regime "deeply frightened".

"If the regime commits such a mistake and cuts the internet, that itself will be another call to continue your presence and to take over the streets.

"In this way, you will drive yet another nail into the coffin of this regime. You will be victorious. Long live Iran!"

On Thursday, the 12th straight day of unrest, internet monitoring group NetBlocks said the country had been plunged into a “nationwide blackout".

Mr Pahlav responded on social media, writing: "Millions of Iranians demanded their freedom tonight. In response, the regime in Iran has cut all lines of communication.

"It has shut down the Internet. It has cut landlines. It may even attempt to jam satellite signals.

"I want to thank the leader of the free world, President Trump, for reiterating his promise to hold the regime to account.

"It is time for others, including European leaders, to follow his lead, break their silence, and act more decisively in support of the people of Iran.

"I call on them to use all technical, financial, and diplomatic resources available to restore communication to the Iranian people so that their voice and their will can be heard and seen.

"Do not let the voices of my courageous compatriots be silenced."

Mr Pahlavi was forced into exile in the US after his family's dynasty was overthrown the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

The Crown Prince has previously insisted he has no ambition to take on a permanent leadership role should the regime fall.

He has said it must be for the Iranian people to decide the country’s future, arguing they should choose between a constitutional monarchy or a republic via a national referendum.

Mr Pahlavi has used his prominence in exile to campaign on issues including human rights, democracy and national unity among Iranians at home and abroad.

On his website, he calls for a clear separation of religion and state, as well as free and fair elections “for all freedom-loving individuals and political ideologies”.

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