Pahlavi noted, “There’s tens of thousands — the last estimate is over 50,000 at least, maybe more,” in a phone interview, as he discussed the growing number of supporters. “Every week we have additional numbers coming. Clearly we have to analyze the data, it’s an arduous process — it will take some time — but the signals are quite strong. We have received tremendous response, and we are giving top priority to key elements within those designated segments.”
He announced a new website for ordinary Iranian citizens to express their interest in joining the national campaign against the regime.
Preparing for a conference with at least 500 opposition supporters, including activists, artists, and athletes in Munich on Saturday, Pahlavi informed POLITICO this would be one of the most diverse gatherings of anti-regime movements outside Iran since the revolution.
Pahlavi has offered himself to lead Iran’s transition to democracy if the Islamic Republic collapses. Critics argue he hasn’t done enough to unite Iranian opposition groups during his 46 years in exile and question his suitability as an exiled member of Iran’s last royal family.
The upcoming conference aims to address those concerns and strengthen the resolve of regime opponents inside Iran, accessible through speeches online via services like Starlink smuggled into the country.
“The goal is to demonstrate that more than ever we have a growing coalition of like-minded people who want to work together — quite diverse, perhaps the largest gathering ever representing all factions within the Iranian political sphere,” he stated.
Participants support three principles: preserving Iran’s territorial integrity, protecting individual liberties and equality of all citizens, and separating religion and state.
Iran resumed nuclear talks with European powers in Turkey on Thursday, following June’s attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran’s military and nuclear sites. Pahlavi cautioned against trusting Iran, warning that negotiations would enable Tehran to stall for time.
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