Iran issues indictment against exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
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Tehran’s Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor Ali Salehi announced on Saturday that Iranian judicial authorities have issued a -symbolic- indictment against Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince and prominent opposition figure, along with several anti-leadership journalists and media outlets.
The charges primarily relate to alleged incitement of unrest during protests in January this year and related events in late 2025.
Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and a leading voice advocating for a “democratic transition” in Iran, has lived in exile in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
He has consistently called for protests against the Islamic Republic, positioning himself as a unifying symbol for opposition forces seeking leadership change without claiming personal political power.
According to reports, the indictment accuses Pahlavi and associates of collaborating with foreign entities, facilitating conditions for riots, and encouraging actions aimed at overthrowing the government.
Iranian authorities described the activities as part of efforts to destabilize the country, with charges under the Iranian Criminal Code that carry severe penalties, including potentially the death penalty for inciting riots.
The move follows significant anti-government protests in early 2026, during which Pahlavi publicly supported demonstrators and urged broader participation, including from elements within Iran’s security forces.
His name was reportedly chanted by protesters, elevating his profile amid the unrest, though critics have questioned the depth of his domestic support.
