Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi Unveils Six-Step Plan to Pressure Tehran, Seeks International Backing
Exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi unveils a six-step plan urging international measures—targeting IRGC, sanctions, internet access, diplomatic expulsions—to pressure Tehran and prepare transitional governance.
Overview
Reza Pahlavi, exiled crown prince, publicly announced a six-step plan at a National Press Club news conference, positioning himself as a potential transitional leader.
Plan calls to degrade regime's repressive capacity, target IRGC leadership, impose maximal economic pressure, block assets, and dismantle state-controlled ghost oil tanker networks.
Pahlavi released the roadmap amid nationwide protests in Iran and international debate over U.S. response; remarks followed deadly crackdowns and widespread demonstrations earlier this month.
He urged global steps including expelling Iranian diplomats, enabling unrestricted internet (e.g., Starlink), cyber operations to disable shutdowns, and release of political prisoners.
Supporters see him as a unifying figure against the Islamic Republic; critics warn his roadmap centralizes power and may insufficiently engage ethnic minorities.
Analysis
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Sources (3)
FAQ
The six steps are: 1) Degrade the regime's repressive capacity by targeting IRGC leadership and infrastructure; 2) Impose maximum economic pressure, block assets, and dismantle ghost oil tankers; 3) Enable unrestricted internet access via Starlink and cyber operations; 4) Expel Iranian diplomats and pursue legal actions; 5) Demand release of political prisoners; 6) Recognize a legitimate transitional government.
Reza Pahlavi announced the plan at a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Pahlavi positions himself as a transitional leader to ensure an orderly 800-day transition, after which he promises to let Iranians decide their future, though critics question if he seeks to restore monarchy.
Critics warn that the roadmap centralizes power in Pahlavi and may insufficiently engage ethnic minorities in Iran.
History
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