Overview
- Demonstrations that began over economic grievances at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar grew into nationwide protests Thursday night with chants calling for Pahlavi and even a restoration of the monarchy.
- Pahlavi, 65 and based in the United States, has presented himself as a caretaker for a democratic transition rather than a claimant to the throne.
- Backing the monarchy is a criminal offense in Iran, and an internet blackout has made independent assessments of public support harder for outside observers.
- Experts describe Pahlavi as prominent yet polarizing, arguing he lacks detailed plans and a cohesive coalition to manage any transition.
- Foreign ties complicate the landscape, with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu cited as a high-profile supporter and President Trump responding coolly to Pahlavi’s public appeals for help.