Reza Pahlavi Calls for Surrender of Iranian Regime Following Khamenei's Demise
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Washington, March 2 (NationPress) Reza Pahlavi, the exiled heir of Iran's last monarch, proclaimed on Sunday that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has "met his end", referring to him as "the Zahhak of our generation" while calling on regime officials to hand over control.
Pahlavi characterized Khamenei as "the malevolent figure who recently authorized the slaughter of countless of Iran's most exceptional sons and daughters".
"With his disgraceful demise and that of numerous appointees and loyalists, the Islamic Republic is on its last legs. Through your determination and bravery, it will soon be relegated to the annals of history," he stated.
He emphasized that "The great nation of Iran seeks the absolute dissolution of the Islamic Republic. We will dismantle this wicked regime".
Pahlavi directed his remarks at what he referred to as the "remaining officials of this Republic of Terror", demanding: "Surrender to the Iranian populace. Announce your allegiance to my program and the Transition System. Transfer power peacefully to avoid further bloodshed."
He cautioned that any endeavor to replace Khamenei would be futile.
"Any attempt by the remnants of the regime to name a successor to Khamenei is destined to fail. Whoever is chosen will not only lack legitimacy but will also share in the regime's crimes," he asserted.
Pahlavi also called on the security apparatus to realign their loyalty.
"Your weapons should defend the great nation of Iran -- not the criminal Republic, nor its anti-Iranian thugs and goons," he urged.
"Stand with the Iranian people and the Lion-and-Sun Revolution. Use your arms to safeguard Iranians from the regime's mercenaries. Let this 47-year nightmare come to an end swiftly."
He observed that Khamenei's death "cannot compensate for the bloodshed" but "can act as a soothing remedy for the anguished hearts of fathers and mothers, spouses and children, sisters and brothers in grief; a comfort for the proud families of the Lion-and-Sun Revolution's selfless martyrs".
Addressing the "Noble and courageous people of Iran", Pahlavi called for mobilization.
"Remain vigilant. Stay ready. The moment for a significant and decisive presence in the streets is approaching rapidly," he declared.
He urged supporters to demonstrate "their approval and backing for the dismantling of the Islamic Republic through nighttime chants" and to "amplify their voices with demands for Iran's future".
"To Iranians abroad, who have tirelessly echoed the powerful voices of our compatriots in Iran for weeks, I implore you to intensify your efforts," he continued, urging them to convey "the Iranian people's support for this humanitarian intervention, and our call for the regime's total collapse".
"Crucial days lie ahead. Together, we will navigate the path to triumph. And we will dismantle the Islamic Republic system," he concluded, adding: "Long live Iran."
Pahlavi, the heir to the Peacock Throne, has resided in exile in the United States since the 1979 Iranian Revolution that toppled the monarchy and established the Islamic Republic.
In recent times, Pahlavi has portrayed himself as a potential transitional leader, asserting that he could steer Iran toward a democratic framework should a regime change occur.