by Reuven Koret

Reza Pahlavi’s dramatic call to rise marks a turning point—uniting decades of exile, pro-Israel vision, and democratic aspiration as Iran’s freedom-seeking people revolt against the Islamist and Jihadist repression. Will a reborn Iran and a liberating Israel reshapes the Middle East?

As Israel’s campaign against Iran rages on, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi delivered a dramatic address on June 17, declaring that the “Islamic Republic has reached its end and is collapsing.” His call to arms marks not only a rebellion against the Ayatollahs, but a bold vision for a restored, pro-Israel Iran.

Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah, has lived near Washington, DC, since fleeing Iran in 2001. His legacy is contested: monarchists see a symbolic heir; reformers, little more than a figurehead. Yet today, his years-long appeal for freedom finds new resonance amid nationwide unrest. “The Islamic Republic has reached its end and is falling,” he proclaimed in a June 17 video posted on X, adding: “What has begun is irreversible. The future is bright, and together we will turn the page of history. Now is the time to stand up; the time to reclaim Iran.”

He referred to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as “like a frightened rat… gone underground and lost control,” urging Iran’s security forces not to defend a collapsing regime.

From Monarchy to Democracy—With an Israeli Pivot

Despite his royal pedigree, Pahlavi affirmed that he no longer seeks to reinstate the monarchy. Instead, he positions himself as a unifier for a democratic transition. He is seen by many as the leader most capable of uniting the Iranian resistance movement. Instead of restoring the monarchy, he leads a pro-democracy movement from exile.

Pahlavi’s relationship with Israel runs deeper than mere rhetoric. Two years ago, he visited Jerusalem—meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog—and emphasized that post-regime Iran should seek a “Cyrus Accords” peace treaty with the Jewish state, modeled after the Abraham Accords. He’s also publicly praised Israel’s right to self-defense amid regional tensions, reinforcing his alignment with Jerusalem.

One Israeli analyst observed that Iranian monarchists have moved closer to Israel, which they see as a key ally in their fight to reinstate the Pahlavis. That sentiment emerges as Israel’s campaign strikes deeply into Iranian territory, dismantling theocratic command centers and enabling dissidents.

Allied Against a Common Enemy

Inside Israel, Pahlavi is viewed with cautious optimism. A recent editorial lauded his moral courage, calling him “a symbol of internal unity, military defection, and a peaceful transition plan for Iran.” Officials close to Netanyahu see in Pahlavi the name recognition and charisma necessary to lead Iran’s future, with some Israeli military circles even discussing clandestine contacts as a hedge against Tehran’s collapse.

He reinforced that confidence in the streets of Iran: “All of us, from Bandar Abbas to Bandar Anzali… come to the streets and bring this regime to its conclusion,” he urged, painting a vision of national uprising spanning every city.

The Opposition’s Uncertainty

The crown prince’s message, however, resonates unevenly within Iran’s fragmented resistance. While Pahlavi commands respect among expatriates and monarchists, his support inside Iran remains uncertain. Many Iranians lack vivid memories of pre-1979 life or distrust the monarchy’s old inequalities.

Still, some believe he has unique potential. Dissidents like rapper Toomaj Salehi and former minister Mostafa Tajzadeh critique Israeli strikes on civilians, but they also describe Iran as being on “the brink of opening a new regional war.” That growing frustration—framed in Pahlavi’s hopeful narrative—could provide the spark needed for his vision to gain traction.

A Future Alliance with Israel?

Pahlavi’s vision extends beyond ousting the mullahs. In his June 17 video, he assured Iranians that “Do not worry about the day after… Iran will not suffer civil war and instability. We have a plan for Iran’s future and its prosperity.” Part of that plan includes rapprochement with Israel—not just for strategic reasons, but as part of reconstructing Iran’s global standing and reclaiming its heritage of pluralism.

This future aligns with Israel’s strategic recalibration. Should Pahlavi effectively challenge or replace the Islamic Republic, Israel stands to gain a stable, secular ally in the heart of the region—one committed to peace, democracy, and bilateral cooperation. For Pahlavi, forging ties with Israel signals Iran is ready to fully rejoin the Middle East—no longer isolated, but a partner in regional normalization.

Risks and Rewards

Critics caution that any post-regime vacuum could spark conflict if not carefully managed. Pahlavi’s assurances about a peaceful transition and military reform are persuasive, but he will face immense pressure from hardliners, regional powers, and potential power grabs by IRGC factions. Israel’s deep involvement—both militarily and diplomatically—must be delicately balanced to avoid backlash that could destabilize reform efforts.

Yet, the upside is considerable. A democratic Iran allied to Israel would redraw the Middle East’s geopolitical map: moderates in the Gulf, Turkey, and Egypt would find a new axis of cooperation; American influence could be bolstered through a revived Persian partner; radical terrorism networks would be isolated; and the era of Islamist hegemony pushed aside.

A Historic Moment in the Making

Reza Pahlavi’s June 17 announcement may be the climax of decades of quiet perseverance. Calling the moment the “most dramatic opportunity” to liberate Iran, he added: “The moment is approaching very fast, the regime is on the verge of collapse.”

With bold words and clear strategy, he has positioned himself not just as a figurehead of nostalgia, but as the rallying point for revolution—and a new era of Iran-Israel unity. Should his call resonate deeper within Iran, it may mark a pivot as profound as Cyrus’ decree in antiquity.

In the months ahead, all eyes will be on Tehran’s streets, Iran’s military brass, and Jerusalem’s war rooms. For Iran, the future could be one of redemption—reborn in democracy, allyship, and genuine peace.