Hey
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince and opposition leader
He is most famous for being the exiled Crown Prince of Iran and declaring himself Reza Shah II after the 1979 Iranian Revolution overthrew his father's monarchy.
Reza Pahlavi was born on October 31, 1960, in Tehran, making him a Scorpio. He is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, and was designated Crown Prince in 1967. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, he went into exile at age 18 and declared himself Reza Shah II in 1980. He is a political activist advocating for democracy in Iran and positioning himself as a potential transitional leader should the Islamic Republic fall. Reza Pahlavi is Muslim by birth and upbringing, identifying as a devout Shia Muslim while advocating for separation of religion and state.
Reza Pahlavi grew up in Tehran's royal palace, studying at a private school reserved for the imperial family. He trained as a pilot from age 11, earning his license at 12 and flying solo in the Imperial Iranian Air Force. In August 1978, he was sent to Reese Air Force Base in Texas for advanced pilot training as a cadet. The Iranian Revolution erupted while he was abroad, forcing him to leave training early in March 1979 at age 18. His younger brother Ali Reza Pahlavi was second in line to the throne until his death by suicide in 2011.
Reza Pahlavi lives in exile in the United States, reportedly in the Potomac, Maryland area. He married Yasmine Etemad-Amini and they have three daughters, with his eldest daughter Noor declared as his heir. He earned a B.S. in political science by correspondence from the University of Southern California in 1985 and is fluent in Persian, English, and French. When asked about his religion, he stated he is a devout Shia Muslim by education and faith, though he maintains this is a private matter. He plays multiple instruments including daf, tonbak, guitar, and drums, and was a passionate football fan in his youth, supporting Tehran's Esteghlal club.
Completed his first solo flight at age 11 and obtained his pilot license at age 12
Trained on Cessna T-37 Tweet and Northrop T-38 Talon aircraft at Reese Air Force Base in Texas
When he was born, the Shah pardoned 98 political prisoners and the government declared a 20 percent income tax reduction
Founded the Iran National Council in 2013 and established the radio and television channel Ofogh Iran in 2014
Visited Israel in April 2023, attending Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies at Yad Vashem and visiting the Western Wall
Received the Architect of Peace Award in 2024
Published the book 'Winds of Change: The Future of Democracy in Iran' in 2002
As for my religion, that's a private matter; but if you must know, I am of course, by my upbringing and by my faith, a Shia Muslim. I am a man of faith.
I believe in the inherent equal rights between men and women.
We must not settle for protests anymore but prepare to occupy and hold city centers.
Born on October 31 in Tehran as eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran
Officially designated Crown Prince of Iran during his father's coronation ceremony
Obtained pilot license at age 12 after training with the Imperial Iranian Air Force
Sent to Reese Air Force Base in Texas for pilot training as an Imperial Iranian Air Force cadet
Left pilot training early in March due to the Iranian Revolution, went into exile at age 18
Declared himself Reza Shah II on his 20th birthday, October 31, following his father's death in July
Earned B.S. in political science by correspondence from the University of Southern California
Published the book 'Winds of Change: The Future of Democracy in Iran'
Co-founded the Iran National Council to unite opposition elements
Established the Ofogh Iran radio and television channel
Launched 'Operation Phoenix' to unify diverse opposition factions around a shared vision for post-theocracy Iran
Visited Israel in April, attending Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies and meeting government ministers
Received the Architect of Peace Award
Called for escalation of protests and general strikes during major demonstrations in Iran