Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran, has made a statement from exile applauding the recent U.S. humanitarian intervention in Iran. He has specifically called on the Iranian military to abandon their loyalty to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, asserting that their ultimate duty should be to protect the Iranian people. Pahlavi emphasized that the assistance promised by the U.S. already had reached Iran, underpinning the notion that the intervention is meant to dismantle the oppressive regime rather than harm the nation itself.

In his statements following a joint attack by the U.S. and Israel on Iranian targets, Pahlavi urged the United States to act cautiously to safeguard civilian lives. He believes that the Iranian people are poised for a significant uprising against their leaders, positioning this moment as a critical juncture in their ongoing struggle. With calls for unity among Iranians, he hinted that the time for public demonstrations is approaching but advised caution in the immediate term to avoid unnecessary risks.

Pahlavi's comments reflect a deeper ideological divide and highlight the ongoing tensions within Iranian society, exacerbated by external interventions. His call for military defection from Khamenei's regime could have implications for both the internal dynamics of Iran and the broader geopolitical situation in the region, especially given the complex interplay of U.S. involvement.