Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reza Pahlavi |
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| Crown Prince of Iran | |
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Pahlavi in 2023
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| Head of the House of Pahlavi | |
| Tenure | 31 October 1980 – present |
| Predecessor | Farah Diba (as regent in pretence) |
| Born | 31 October 1960 Tehran, Imperial State of Iran |
| Spouse |
Yasmine Etemad-Amini
(m. 1986) |
| Issue | Noor Pahlavi Iman Pahlavi Farah Pahlavi |
| Father | Mohammad Reza Pahlavi |
| Mother | Farah Diba |
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Party
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National Council of Iran
(2013–2017) |
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Alma mater
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Website
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| Religion | Shia Islam |
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| Styles of Reza Pahlavi |
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| Reference style | His Imperial Highness |
| Spoken style | Your Imperial Highness |
Reza Pahlavi (Persian: رضا پهلوی; born 31 October 1960) is the oldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was the last Shah (king) of Iran. His mother is Farah Diba. He was named Crown Prince of Iran in 1967. This happened when his father had his official crowning ceremony.
Pahlavi is the founder and leader of the National Council of Iran. This group is made of people who left Iran. He is part of the movement for democracy in Iran. He often speaks out against Iran's current Islamic Republic government.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Reza Pahlavi was born in Tehran, Iran. He was the first son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, and Farah Pahlavi, the Shahbanu (Empress) of Iran. He has three sisters: Princess Farahnaz Pahlavi, Princess Leila Pahlavi. He also had a brother, Prince Ali Reza Pahlavi, and a half-sister, Princess Shahnaz Pahlavi.
When he was born, the Shah pardoned many political prisoners. The government also lowered income taxes by 20%. He went to a private school called "Reza Pahlavi School." This school was inside the royal palace. Only the royal family and their close friends could attend. He learned to fly planes. His first solo flight was when he was 11 years old. He got his pilot's license a year later. He was a fan of the Taj Abadan football club.
In August 1978, he went to the United States. He was a cadet in the Imperial Iranian Air Force. He continued his pilot training there. He was one of 43 cadets in a one-year program. He learned to fly the Cessna T-37 Tweet and Northrop T-38 Talon. Because of the Iranian Revolution, he left the base early in March 1979.
Pahlavi started studying at Williams College in September 1979. He left in 1980. Then he enrolled at The American University in Cairo. He studied political science there. In 1981, he stopped attending regularly. He continued his studies privately with Iranian professors. He focused on Persian culture, history, and Islamic philosophy.
He earned a BSc degree in political science in 1985. He got this degree through correspondence from the University of Southern California. He speaks English and French very well. His native language is Persian.
Political Activities After Leaving Iran
Reza Pahlavi moved to Cairo, Egypt, with his family in March 1980. His father, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was very ill. Some people who supported the monarchy suggested that the Shah should choose his younger son, Ali Reza, as his successor. They thought Reza's experience was too limited. However, the Shah did not agree.
When the Shah died on 27 July 1980, Farah Pahlavi announced herself as the regent. This was a symbolic title. On his 20th birthday, 31 October, Reza Pahlavi declared himself the new king of Iran. He called himself Reza Shah II. He said he was the rightful successor to the Pahlavi dynasty throne. The United States government stated they did not support him. They recognized the new Iranian government.
In 1981, Pahlavi stayed in the Koubbeh Palace. He built strong ties with groups that wanted the monarchy back. Other opposition groups did not support him. In March, he released a statement for the Persian New Year. He asked all opponents of the Iranian government to unite. He called for a "national resistance."
In August, Pahlavi said he had been secretly planning to overthrow the Iranian government. He stated, "Many of our actions have been unknown to you. But I want to assure you that the necessary steps are being taken to save Iran."
In 1986, Pahlavi announced he had formed a government-in-exile. Its goal was to bring back a constitutional monarchy in Iran.
On his website, Pahlavi says that Iran should be a democratic and secular state. This means religion and government should be separate. He believes human rights should be respected. He wants the people of Iran to decide if they want a constitutional monarchy or a republic.
Pahlavi uses his public profile to campaign for human rights and democracy. He calls for unity among Iranians. He wants free and fair elections for all people. He urges all groups working for democracy to work together.
In February 2011, protests broke out in Tehran. Pahlavi said that young Iranians wanted to get rid of the current government. He said they hoped to create a democracy. He told The Daily Telegraph that change was needed in the region. He believed it was only a matter of time before the whole region would become democratic.
In June 2018, he said, "I believe Iran must be a secular, parliamentary democracy. The people must decide the final form." In December 2018, he spoke at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He asked for non-military support for those in Iran. These people are trying to replace the current government with a secular democracy. He said he was "ready to serve my country."
During protests in Iran in 2022, Pahlavi predicted the current government would fall. He said events like rising food prices had caused anger. He urged members of the Iranian armed forces who oppose the government to act peacefully. He called for a united front against the government. He also said, "I don't tell them what to do. I'm not a political leader."
In February 2023, Pahlavi spoke to The Daily Telegraph. He asked British and European governments to ban the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He said this would weaken the current government. He also said that many Iranian dissidents now want to completely overthrow the government. He repeated that he would let the people of Iran decide on restoring the throne. He would not run for political office if the government fell.
In March 2023, Pahlavi visited the United Kingdom. He gave a speech at the Oxford Union. He said that being secular is needed for democracy. He called for Internet access to be restored in Iran. This would help different groups communicate. He also called for non-violent ways to bring down the Iranian government.
On 17 April 2023, he and his wife Yasmine visited Israel. This was to help rebuild the historic relations between Iran and Israel. He visited the Western Wall and Yad Vashem. He also met with President of Israel Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu.
Support for Reza Pahlavi
Support Within Iran
A report in 2009 said Pahlavi did not have many followers in Iran. It said there was no strong movement to bring back the monarchy. However, during protests in 2017–18, some videos showed people chanting for Pahlavi's grandfather. They called for the monarchy to return.
In January 2023, a scholar named Arash Azizi noted more support for Pahlavi. This was seen among younger Iranians on social media and at protests. He said Pahlavi has some support in Iran. Many Iranian activists and celebrities have supported Pahlavi as a leader to unite anti-government movements.
Support Among Iranians Living Abroad
Pahlavi is very popular with older Iranians who left Iran during the 1979 revolution. He also has some support from people still in Iran. In 2006, The New Yorker reported that Los Angeles is home to many Iranian people who left Iran. It said this city was a place where many supported the monarchy.
A 2013 survey of Iranian-Americans found that most did not support any Iranian opposition groups. Of those who did, 20% supported Pahlavi.
Support During Recent Protests
In 2023, a petition was started to support Reza Pahlavi. It asked for him to represent a change in Iran. Over 460,000 people signed this petition.
Reza Pahlavi asked Iranians around the world to protest on February 11, 2023. This was the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Republic. Many people rallied in cities in the US, Europe, Australia, and Canada. Reza Pahlavi himself joined a rally in Los Angeles. Over 80,000 people attended.
Recent Speeches and Calls for Action
In July 2024, Pahlavi spoke at a conference in Washington, D.C. He blamed the Iranian government for spreading radical ideas. He promised that Iranians would take their country back soon. He also warned the United States not to start a military campaign. He said, "the problem that began in Iran must be ended in Iran."
In November 2024, Pahlavi again called on Iranians to take back the country. He said he was ready to lead any temporary government. He stated in an interview that internal forces would overthrow the current government.
Foreign Support
In 1986, Bob Woodward wrote that the US government supported Iranian exiles. This included Pahlavi. The CIA helped broadcast his speech to Iranian television. In his speech, he promised, "I will return."
In 2006, The New Yorker reported that Pahlavi received money from the CIA for several years in the 1980s. This funding stopped after the Iran-Contra scandal. A professor named Andrew Friedman said Pahlavi started working with the CIA after meeting its director. He received a monthly payment.
In 2009, Pahlavi denied getting money from the U.S. government. He said, "I don't rely on any sources other than my own compatriots." He denied working with the CIA. However, in 2017, he told the Associated Press: "My focus right now is on liberating Iran. I will find any means that I can... with anyone who is willing to give us a hand."
Personal Life
Family and Marriage
In 1978, a magazine reported that Pahlavi dated a Swedish model. In 1980, he had an Egyptian girlfriend.
Pahlavi started a relationship with Yasmine Etemad-Amini in 1985. They married a year later, on June 12, 1986. He was 25, and she was 17. They have three daughters: Noor (born 1992), Iman (born 1993), and Farah (born 2004).
In 2004, Pahlavi became the "unofficial godfather" of Princess Louise of Belgium. She is the eighth granddaughter of King Albert II of the Belgians.
Hobbies and Interests
Pahlavi loved playing and watching football. He was a fan of the Taj football club, now called Esteghlal. His support was even shown on TV. The club held events on his birthday, linking the club to the Pahlavi family.
In 1981, it was reported that Pahlavi would watch tennis at an elite club in Cairo. He was also sometimes seen at discotheques near the Nile river.
Religious Beliefs
When asked about his religion, Pahlavi said it was a private matter. But he added, "I am, of course, by education and conviction, a Shia Muslim. I am very much a man of faith." An Iranian writer also noted that Crown Prince Reza is "deeply attached" to his Muslim faith. He has made the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca.
Television Network
In November 2014, Pahlavi started his own television and radio network. It was called Ofogh Iran. In July 2017, it was reported that this network no longer belonged to Pahlavi.
Honours and Recognitions
National Honours
Grand Collar of the Order of Pahlavi (1967, Iran)
Mohammad Rezā Shāh Pahlavi Coronation Medal (1967, Iran)
25th Centennial Anniversary Medal (1971, Iran)
Persepolis Medal (1971, Iran)
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Foreign Honours
Knight of the Royal Order of the Seraphim (1970, Sweden)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (1974, Italy)
Knight of the Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (1975, Spain)
Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (1976, France)
Grand Star of the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria (1976, Austria)
Grand Collar of the Royal Order of the Drum (Rwanda)
Knight of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation (2023, House of Savoy)
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Other Recognitions
- Radio Farda's Person of The Year online poll (2011)
- Key to the City of Beverly Hills (2017, Los Angeles, California)
Images for kids
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Pahlavi in 2023
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Imperial Arms of the Crown Prince of Iran
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Reza Pahlavi's signature
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Pahlavi in 1973
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Reza Pahlavi's swearing in as the new king of Iran on 31 October 1980 at Koubbeh Palace, Cairo
See also
In Spanish: Reza Pahlaví (II) para niños
