Iranian Opposition Unites Around Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
On Saturday, July 26, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi hosted the Convention of National Cooperation to Save Iran. The convention, held in Munich, included over 500 invited attendees representing “the broadest and most diverse coalition of Iranian opposition forces ever assembled,” according to his press office. Attendees represented Iranians of various cultural, religious, political, and professional backgrounds. The convention served as a pivotal demonstration of unity, sending a powerful signal to Tehran that opposition to the Islamic Republic is coalescing at a critical juncture for the regime.
The Bottom Line
The Convention of National Cooperation to Save Iran marked an unprecedented moment of unity for the Iranian opposition, reflecting a strengthened opposition to the clerical establishment at its weakest moment in history.
The convention demonstrated that Reza Pahlavi is successfully broadening his support beyond the traditional base highlighted by Western media, incorporating representatives from Iran's diverse cultural, religious, and political communities.
This inclusivity exemplifies a strategic shift that has been unfolding for years, positioning him not merely as a figurehead of Iran’s prosperous pre-1979 past, but as a unifying leader who is capable and willing to bridge historic divides. The depth and breadth of participation underscored the Crown Prince's emerging credibility as the central figure around whom an inclusive democratic opposition can rally.
The concluding statement, signed by all participants of the convention, emphasized unity against the Islamic Republic “regardless of background” and “regardless of political orientation.” The statement, in part, read:
“... Bound by a shared vision and a deep sense of responsibility, we pledge to collaborate in support of transition away from the current regime. Our aim is to help lay the groundwork for a democratic, free, strong, and prosperous Iran—one that reflects the will and dignity of its people and reclaims its rightful place in the global community…”
Iranian opposition groups appear not only unified, but also increasingly prepared for the technical challenges of transition, offering a tangible glimpse of a possible democratic future for Iran.
Pahlavi’s secure communication channels offering regime officials and insiders opportunities to defect have reportedly been used by over 50,000 people.
Iranians From All Walks of Life
Speakers representing Iran’s diverse populations publicly backed the vision:
Bahman Mirlashari, a representative of the Iranian Baluch community, said: “The only path to liberation for oppressed peoples is the collapse of the Islamic Republic. Today, we Baluch, alongside other ethnic groups in Iran, call for a secular and unified Iran... Supporting Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi is not just a source of hope for us, but a real path toward rebuilding Iran.”
Anshan Khosravi, a leader of the Luri Bakhtiari community, acknowledged Pahlavi as “a bridge to the future” rather than solely a symbol of Iran’s past, highlighting the Prince’s unifying potential.
Wrestling champion Tayeb Azmoudeh and professional boxer Salar Gholami, representing Iran’s Kurdish community, emphasized Iranian Kurds’ historic role in defending national unity and called for secular governance ensuring justice and equality.
During his speech, Azmoudeh said: “I, as an Iranian Kurd and an athlete, proudly raise the flag of the Lion and Sun. We believe in the territorial integrity of Iran and seek a free, prosperous, and unified nation. One in which religion is separate from government, justice is upheld for all, and diverse ethnicities and faiths live in equality. In this path, we support the national leadership of our dear Prince, Reza Pahlavi.”
Members of the Yarsani faith, a persecuted religious minority consisting predominantly of Iranian Kurds residing in western Iran, said: “With firm belief in the principles outlined in the[National Cooperation]declaration, we stand beside you,” placing extra emphasis on their commitment to Iran’s territorial integrity and the separation of religion from government.
Bernadett Poolis, an Iranian Christian from Iran Alive Ministries and Iran Sazan Foundation, participated and said: “At a time when our Iran suffers from the scars and wounds of years of destruction, we Iranian Christians, alongside our fellow countrymen—regardless of ethnicity, religion, or ideology—stand united and wholeheartedly committed to rebuilding the shattered walls of a land that is our sanctuary.”
Mana Mandegar, an LGBTQ+ activist, said: “Today, I stand here as a member of Iran’s LGBTQ+ community; wounded, yet still full of hope... In memory of all LGBTQ+ individuals who were tortured and raped in the prisons of the Islamic Republic, I say clearly from this platform: sexual and gender freedom is an inseparable part of human freedom, and no national project can be comprehensive without including us.” She added, “Finally, I want to express my deep gratitude to Prince Reza Pahlavi, the symbol of hope, freedom, and justice for Iran.”
Victims of regime brutality, including family members of individuals killed by the Islamic regime, as well as a former police officer who defected from the regime, provided personal testimonies.
In an emotionally charged moment, political prisoners in Greater Tehran Prison sent audio messages expressing solidarity with the convention, recognizing Pahlavi as a legitimate leader of the movement for a free Iran.
Fariborz Karami Zand, a police officer who fled Iran after refusing to follow the Islamic Republic’s orders to suppress protests, said: “As a soldier of the homeland, I speak to you from this platform—and if my comrades deem me worthy, I do so on behalf of those in uniform who are devoted to Iran but have not had the opportunity to speak from such a place.”
The mother of Abolfazl Amir-Ataei, who was shot in the head with a tear gas canister and killed at the age of 16 during the national protests that began in 2022, said: “No power is greater than the unity of a nation. The enemy does not fear weapons. It fears our unity…”
The mother of Navid Behboodi, a 23-year-old who was shot and killed by the regime during the 2019 protests, said: “Navid gave his life for his homeland and I, his mother, became a refugee in exile. We must return, and alongside the Crown Prince, build a prosperous and free Iran.”
Mahboubeh Ramezani, the mother of Pejman Gholipour, an 18-year-old who was shot and killed by the regime during the 2019 protests, said: “We want to reclaim our Iran from Zahhak, from the enemy. And we all want to bring the father of Iran back home.”
Representatives of the Iranian diaspora’s many political parties participated in the convention. This included:
The Constitutionalist Party, the Secular Democratic Party, the Iran Resurgence Party, the New Constitutionalist Party, the Kurdish Patriotic Party, the Iran Novin Party, former Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) members, 7 Aban Front, former Communist Party members, and former Fedaian-e Khalq members.
Several prominent activists endorsing arepublican form of governance for the future Iran, who have historically opposed Pahlavi's leadership due to his historical connection to monarchy, joined the convention, demonstrating a unified front.
Abolfazl Mohagheghi, a prominent pro-republic activist and former Fedaian member, said: “This is a convention that, by showcasing the capacity and capabilities of its participants in different areas, aims to deliver a message to the millions of Iranians watching with hope and excitement: the day of liberation is near.”
Mohammad Heydari, another activist endorsing a republican form of governance, said: “As a pro-republic Iranian patriot…I wish to emphasize that we are here today to take a practical step toward the victory of the national revolution…Now is the time to act! Let us rally around the national and political leadership of the Prince, and show the world that we are not leaderless, but a united and determined nation.”
Their participation underscored a shared commitment to a democratic transition, highlighting explicitly that Pahlavi’s leadership does not equate to promoting the restoration of monarchy.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, in a video message, said: “The political structure and constitution of the Islamic Republic do not permit any kind of reform. To achieve a democratic and secular government, one where all citizens, regardless of their political or religious beliefs or any other differences, enjoy equal rights, there is no path forward but the overthrow of the regime and the holding of a referendum under United Nations supervision.” She emphasized, “I am neither a Monarchist nor a Republican,” adding that to defeat the monster of tyranny, “there is only one path: unity among the opposition and critics.”
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's Keynote Address
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi further emphasized unity in his keynote address, saying: “Today, we are here to show that our nation, united, yet diverse, across religions and beliefs, ethnicities and tribes, social classes, political parties, and ideologies, republican and monarchist, left and right, stands united in a common cause: to end the Islamic Republic and to begin a new dawn of freedom, democracy, and prosperity for our homeland, Iran!” He added, “It is the duty of every patriotic Iranian to intensify the fight for our homeland’s salvation. Our task is to be more united, more organized, and more determined than ever before.”
Pahlavi reiterated he is not personally seeking political office, aiming instead to establish conditions for democratic governance and lead the transition period to free elections.
Pahlavi’s keynote address also outlined a comprehensive critique of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s rule, asserting that the Islamic Republic has brought Iran to the brink of ruin.
He explained how widespread environmental degradation, deteriorating infrastructure, and economic collapse is directly attributable to regime mismanagement.
Pahlavi labeled Khamenei personally responsible, accusing him of focusing solely on repression while abandoning all meaningful governance.
Factional infighting around succession to Khamenei has reportedly intensified, weakening the regime’s cohesiveness.
Crown Prince Pahlavi concluded his statement with a resounding call for confidence and action: "Ali Khamenei must know: His regime is crumbling... Our victory is closer than ever."
Princess Noor Pahlavi, the daughter of the Crown Prince, participated prominently and, following the convention, said, “This was a historic gathering. Iranians from all walks of society and different political views came together with a common goal: reclaiming our homeland from the grip of the Islamic Republic.”
Proposed Transitional Governance Structure
Pahlavi unveiled a detailed Emergency Transitional Government Plan designed to oversee Iran’s democratic transition:
A temporary executive team tasked exclusively with interim administrative duties until the establishment of a transitional government.
A National Uprising Council envisioned as a strategic advisory and provisional legislative body until Iran’s first freely elected parliament convenes.
Pahlavi underscored his personal commitment to remain outside formal political office, emphasizing his role as a facilitator of a democratic process.
The Crown Prince's Five Pillars for Democratic Transition
Crown Prince Pahlavi articulated a structured strategy for a democratic transition based on five pillars:
Maximum Pressure: Leveraging international isolation to weaken the Islamic Republic’s capacity to oppress and govern.
Maximum Support: Cultivating international solidarity, practical support, and cooperation with foreign governments, political parties, and global civil society to strengthen the Iranian people's democratic aspirations.
Maximum Defections: Facilitating and encouraging defections from within the regime, including senior officials.
Maximum Mobilization: Expanding organizational capacity, exemplified by nearly tripling the number of participating opposition groups within the Munich convergence framework in recent months.
Developing a Post-Regime Vision: The Iran Prosperity Project (IPP) is actively producing detailed plans for rebuilding Iran’s infrastructure, economy, and governance structures after regime change.