Prince Reza Pahlavi stated that Iranians are determined to reclaim their country from the forces of evil while standing beside a newly unveiled statue of Cyrus the Great in the US. These remarks were made during the unveiling ceremony of the statue at the Millennium Gate in Atlanta, Georgia on October 30th, which is a national Iranian holiday to honor the founder of the ancient Achaemenid Persian Empire. Cyrus the Great’s empire-building was characterized by respect for diversity and human rights.
Pahlavi praised Cyrus as a visionary who espoused values of equality, respect, and justice for all people. He also referenced a famous address by his father, Mohammad-Reza Shah Pahlavi, during the celebrations to mark 2,500 years of monarchy in Iran in 1971. Pahlavi condemned the Islamic Republic for deterring Iranians from celebrating Iran’s pre-Islamic history, particularly events honoring Cyrus the Great.
The former crown prince has advocated for a secular and democratic Iran as an alternative to Islamic Republic, emphasizing that upholding human rights values presented by the late empire could lead to regional peace. He spoke against the backdrop of escalating conflict in the Middle East and urged the world to support the Iranian people’s uprising against the Islamic Republic.
Pahlavi mentioned the statue of Cyrus the Great in Atlanta and pointed out that it represents liberty, justice, and peace, values championed by the Persian king. The prince also mentioned Cyrus’s historical significance, citing the day in 539 BC when he liberated Babylon and set the Jewish people free from the Babylonian Captivity, drawing a parallel to modern-day Iran.
During the end of October, the Iran Novin Party held its first Congress in Brussels to work against the Islamic Republic and provide a political platform for Iranian constitutional monarchists. Pahlavi, while not participating in the event, sent a message that was read out loud at the opening ceremony, and his wife, Yasmine, delivered the keynote speech at the event.
Members of the party highlighted the importance of uniting all opposition entities to work against the Islamic Republic and contribute to the downfall of the regime. They emphasized the need to establish a new political and legal structure in the country after the fall of the Islamic Republic.
The political parties’ activities have shown the desire among Iranians for a new form of government, and public events, such as football matches, have demonstrated admiration for the Pahlavi monarchs, who were seen as pioneers of leading Iran towards modernization.