Iran's Democracy Movement Surges, Backed by Reza Pahlavi

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has emerged as a prominent voice in the movement advocating for a democratic future in Iran. His leadership is distinctively shaped by his lineage, yet he actively seeks to distance himself from the notion of monarchical restoration, instead emphasizing a vision of a secular, democratic republic based on the will of the Iranian people. This stance allows him to tap into a sense of historical continuity and national identity for some, while simultaneously attempting to alleviate concerns about a return to the autocratic rule associated with his father's reign.