Paris

Iran's former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, living in exile, on Saturday urged workers in key economic sectors to strike and occupy central Tehran, backing ongoing nationwide protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ruling establishment.

In a video message on X, Pahlavi praised the courage of demonstrators, calling for a “purposeful street presence” and the disruption of the regime’s apparatus. He appealed to workers in transportation, oil, gas, and energy sectors to join nationwide strikes and asked citizens to move toward city centres from multiple routes, merging crowds while ensuring provisions for sustained protests. Pahlavi also claimed he is preparing to return to Iran to stand with his compatriots.

هم‌میهنان عزیزم،

شما با شجاعت و ایستادگی خود، تحسین جهانیان را برانگیخته‌اید. حضور دگرباره و پرشکوه‌تان در خیابان‌های سراسر ایران در شامگاه جمعه، پاسخی دندان‌شکن به تهدیدهای رهبر خائن و جنایتکار جمهوری اسلامی بود. یقین دارم که او این تصاویر را از مخفیگاهش دیده و از وحشت لرزیده… pic.twitter.com/MaQDiwkXRL

— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) January 10, 2026

The Institute for the Study of War reported 116 protests across 22 provinces since January 8, including 20 large gatherings of over 1,000 participants. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks noted that a nationwide blackout, lasting over 36 hours, continues to restrict communications.

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Meanwhile, world leaders condemned the crackdown on protesters. In a joint statement, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, and the European Union praised the bravery of Iranian citizens and called on the government to uphold their right to peaceful protest.