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Reza Pahlavi: Citizens Will Not Leave the Streets

Published January 9, 2026, 07:16
Reza Pahlavi: Citizens Will Not Leave the Streets

Reza Pahlavi, a prominent figure in the Iranian opposition and son of the last Shah of Iran, expressed his pride in the thousands of Iranians who took to the streets on Thursday, December 18th, in a wave of protests that spread across the country. Pahlavi stated that the massive presence of citizens is leading to a retreat of the security forces and is changing the balance of power. He called on citizens to continue the mobilizations on Friday, December 19th, despite the internet blackout, insisting that they will not leave the streets. Pahlavi emphasized the need to unite the different protest movements, calling on "field leaders" to cooperate to increase pressure on the regime. His statement comes during a period of intense protests in Iran, sparked by various issues such as economic hardship and political repression. The internet shutdown is an attempt by the regime to restrict citizens' access to information and suppress protests. However, Pahlavi believes this will not deter Iranians from expressing their opposition. His call for unity and continued mobilization highlights the determination of the opposition to challenge the regime's power. The situation in Iran remains unstable, with protests continuing and authorities attempting to control them. The dynamics of public participation and the opposition's ability to remain united will play a crucial role in the evolution of events.