WASHINGTON D.C February 28, 2026 – Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has proclaimed the effective collapse of Iran’s Islamic Republic, hailing the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a historic turning point and urging Iranians to prepare for decisive street action.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday evening, Reza Pahlavi addressed his “fellow compatriots” in both Persian and English:
“Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran’s bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be consigned to the dustbin of history.”
Pahlavi dismissed any regime attempts to appoint a successor, declaring them “doomed to fail from the outset” and lacking both legitimacy and longevity. He issued a direct appeal to Iran’s military, law enforcement, and security forces:
“Any effort to preserve a collapsing regime will fail. This is your final opportunity to join the nation, to help ensure Iran’s stable transition to a free and prosperous future, and to take part in building that future.”
He described Khamenei’s death — though not full justice for the regime’s victims — as “a balm for the wounded hearts of the grieving fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters” of those who died in what he called the “Lion and Sun National Revolution.”
Concluding on a note of cautious optimism, Pahlavi told Iranians:
“This may be the beginning of our great national celebration, but it is not the end of the road. Remain vigilant and prepared. The time for a widespread and decisive presence in the streets is very near. Together, united and steadfast, we will bring about the final victory, and we will celebrate Iran’s freedom across our beloved homeland.”
The statement comes hours after U.S. President Donald Trump and senior Israeli officials confirmed that the 86-year-old Khamenei was killed in joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran earlier on February 28, 2026. Major international outlets including CNN, NPR, Reuters, Axios, and Al Jazeera have reported the development, citing U.S. and Israeli intelligence sources. Iranian state media has not confirmed the death and continues to claim the leader is “commanding the field.”
Reza Pahlavi’s message, which quickly amassed tens of thousands of likes, reposts, and views, has resonated strongly among the Iranian diaspora and opposition supporters worldwide, with many hailing it as the dawn of a post-theocratic era.
Analysts say Khamenei’s death creates an unprecedented power vacuum in Iran after 36 years of his rule, potentially accelerating the regime’s collapse amid ongoing domestic unrest and international pressure.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring developments in this fast-moving situation, including any response from Tehran and the potential for mass protests inside Iran.
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