Iran’s exiled former crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, on Saturday called for nationwide strikes by workers in key economic sectors and urged protesters to move
toward city centers, saying he is “preparing” to return to Iran as demonstrations continue across the country. In a video message posted on X, Pahlavi voiced support for protesters challenging Iran’s ruling establishment and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He praised recent demonstrations and urged Iranians to intensify pressure on the government. “My dear compatriots, through your courage and resilience, you have earned the admiration of the world,” Pahlavi said. “Your magnificent presence once again in the streets across Iran on Friday evening was a crushing response to the threats of the treacherous and criminal leader of the Islamic Republic.”
Calling for coordinated action, Pahlavi appealed to workers in transportation, oil, gas and energy sectors to begin a nationwide strike. “I call upon the workers and employees of key economic sectors--especially transportation, oil, gas, and energy--to begin the process of nationwide strikes,” he said.
He also urged protesters to occupy public spaces over the weekend. “Our goal is no longer merely to be present in the streets; the goal is to prepare for the capture and holding of city centres,” Pahlavi said, encouraging demonstrators to move toward central areas from multiple routes and to be prepared to remain there.
Addressing members of Iran’s security forces, he called on them to slow down enforcement efforts. “Slow down and disrupt the machine of suppression more than ever before, so that on the appointed day, we may disable it entirely,” he said.
Pahlavi said he was preparing to return to the country. “I, too, am preparing for my return to the homeland to stand beside you, the great nation of Iran, at the moment of our national revolution's victory,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War said it recorded 116 protests across 22 provinces since Jan. 8, including 20 large demonstrations with more than 1,000 participants. The institute said internet disruptions likely limited the ability to document the full scale of protests.
Internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that a nationwide internet blackout had continued for more than 36 hours, restricting communication as protests and arrests continued.
World leaders also weighed in Saturday, with foreign ministers from Australia, Canada and the European Union issuing a joint statement condemning reported killings and arrests of protesters and praising the courage of Iranians demonstrating across the country.
