Iran's national revolution enters a new phase
On Reza Pahlavi, coalition-building and the tasks ahead
It has been four months since the national revolution in Iran began following the death of Mahsa Amini. The world has seen the bravery and defiance of the Iranian people and their iron will to rid themselves of one of the most evil and barbaric regimes in modern times. There have been protests around the world organised by the Iranian Diaspora which are ongoing, and there have been calls to unite the people to overthrow the regime.
In the four months that followed, we have seen calls for the formation of an opposition coalition. This has been discussed in previous posts here and my personal opinion is that any “alliance” will be a waste of time if it does not share common goals and a political agenda. What exactly do such people as Masih Alinejad, Hamed Esmaeilion and Nazanin Boniadi add when they do not possess the stature and popularity that Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has among the people?
Constitutionally, Reza Pahlavi is entitled to be head of state and there has been a campaign for him to be recognised as the representative of the Iranian nation during this period of uprising and the regime change phase. He has responded to this in typical fashion: neither claiming anything for himself nor rejecting anything, and emphasising that he is open to working with anyone who shares common principles of respecting territorial integrity and leaving the choice of system of government to the Iranian people.
These are perfectly reasonable conditions, and Reza Pahlavi and monarchists have always invited anyone to come to the table if they are willing to accept these conditions. But as with previous statements, we see how furiously his opponents react and this time it has been with growing desperation. This includes the regime lobby, MEK, leftists and ethnic movements who have had considerable backing from corrupt politicians and think tanks in the West.
We have seen the Peyman Novin and No 2 Islamic Republic campaigns bring people together, and pointed the way forward to a wider alliance. If any such alliance exists, it is consolidating with the endorsement of many Iranian public figures (including artists and athletes) around support for Reza Pahlavi and the conditions set.
The role of Reza Pahlavi and of Iranian monarchist groups are distinct. Here, Reza Pahlavi plays the role of a head of state who does not belong to a political grouping nor campaigning for his own position (which he will leave to the decision of the electorate). The role of monarchists, on the other hand, requires greater explanation: they are required to develop a political organisation and program that will be presented in preparation for regime change and recognition. The immediate goal is to obtain recognition and direct the process of regime change, the longer term goal is to implement the system in Iran.
This is a considerable historic task for which everyone is required to step up. It is also in keeping with the reasonable expectations Reza Pahlavi himself sets for the Iranian people in the process of regime change. The more come to the table and assist in the building of an organised movement, regular meetings and rallies and contacts with political allies, the better.