Key facts
- Reza Pahlavi stated that any deal with Iran that keeps the current regime in power is a 'pause before the next war.'
- He criticized the US-Iran framework deal, signed on June 17, as a 'life raft' for a 'dying regime.'
- Pahlavi pointed to the execution of Javad Zamani and Abolfazl Saedi shortly after the deal's signing as evidence of the regime's untrustworthiness.
- He argued that the regime lies and cheats, signing documents to buy time and will lash out when it can.
- The framework deal extended the ceasefire for 60 days, with negotiations on remaining issues, including Iran's nuclear program, to follow.
- The US suspended sanctions on Iranian oil for the duration of the deal, and both sides committed to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.
- Pahlavi asserted that stability in the region is only achievable through the end of the Islamic Republic.
- He criticized European governments for appeasing Tehran, citing the regime's targeting of dissidents on European soil and supply of drones to Russia.
- Pahlavi urged European capitals to expel regime ambassadors and refuse to legitimize any arrangement that preserves the IRGC-centered power structure.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah and a prominent opposition figure in exile, has stated that any agreement with Tehran that allows the current regime to remain in power is merely a 'pause before the next war.' In an interview with Euronews, Pahlavi criticized the recent US-Iran framework deal, signed on June 17, arguing it provides a 'life raft' to a 'dying regime' that will use the reprieve to regroup and rearm.
Pahlavi cited the execution of two Iranian protesters, Javad Zamani and Abolfazl Saedi, just hours after the framework deal was signed as clear evidence of the regime's untrustworthiness. He accused the Islamic Republic of consistently lying and cheating, signing documents only to buy time, and warned that a 'wounded regime is a dangerous regime' that will lash out when opportunities arise.
The framework deal includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, during which both sides are expected to negotiate final terms on outstanding issues, notably Iran's nuclear program. The US has suspended sanctions on Iranian oil for this period, and both parties have pledged to maintain open shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Pahlavi remains skeptical, asserting that the regime's ideology and power structure are inseparable from its expansionist actions, and true stability can only be achieved through the end of the Islamic Republic.
He also directed sharp criticism at European governments, accusing them of appeasing Tehran despite the regime's alleged involvement in targeting dissidents on European soil, holding European hostages, and supplying drones to Russia for use in Ukraine. Pahlavi urged European capitals to expel Iranian ambassadors and refuse to legitimize any agreement that preserves the current power structure, emphasizing that this is crucial for Europe's own security and prosperity, not just for Iran's future.