Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi released a video calling on members of Iran’s military to defect and protect civilians amid widespread anti-government protests that have engulfed the country since late December 2025. In the recording, Pahlavi urged soldiers to see themselves as the national military of Iran, rather than enforcers of the Islamic Republic.

“You are the national military of Iran, not the military of the Islamic Republic. You have a duty to protect the lives of your compatriots,” Pahlavi said, framing his message as both patriotic and morally obligatory. The appeal echoes historical revolutionary tactics, such as those seen in Romania in 1989, where military defections played a pivotal role in toppling authoritarian regimes.

Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah and a long-standing advocate for secular democracy, released the message as part of a broader effort to bolster morale among protesters facing harsh crackdowns, including reports of thousands killed since January 2026. The video also references U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements of support for the Iranian people, including his pledge that “help is on the way,” aimed at encouraging civilians and dissenting elements within the military.

Despite Pahlavi’s repeated appeals and claims that 50,000 recruits signed up via QR codes to support the movement, reports from investigative sources such as The Intercept indicate that there have been no verified mass defections from Iran’s armed forces. Analysts note that while Pahlavi’s message may resonate symbolically, the regime maintains strict control over military personnel, making large-scale defection unlikely at present.

The video highlights the ongoing tension between the Iranian state and its citizenry, illustrating how exiled political figures are leveraging international attention and social media to influence events on the ground. Pahlavi’s message underscores a continuing struggle for legitimacy, as the Islamic Republic confronts both domestic protests and mounting global scrutiny.