The former Iranian Crown Prince

This move coincides with the "preemptive" airstrikes launched by Israel and the United States against military and nuclear targets inside Iran today, February 28, 2026. Key points of Reza Pahlavi's announcement:

• Call for Defection: Pahlavi called on the Iranian security forces and the army to defect from the regime and join what he described as the "Lion and Sun Revolution."

• Transitional Government: He confirmed his readiness to lead a transitional phase aimed at stabilizing the country and rebuilding the economy after the fall of the regime.

• Objective: To end the authority of the Islamic Republic and establish a secular democratic system through a national referendum.

Iranian citizens reported receiving text messages saying "Help has arrived!" shortly before the start of the air campaign.