Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former Iranian crown prince, has called for protests

Reza Pahlavi, in exile in the United States for nearly 50 years, issued calls rebroadcast by Farsi-language outlets that helped spur major protests in Iran; he also urged further street action for Friday night.

Reza Pahlavi is an exiled former crown prince who has been outside Iran for nearly five decades. He issued public calls that were rebroadcast by Farsi-language satellite channels and websites abroad. Those calls coincided with a large escalation of nationwide protests on Thursday night. The demonstrations began over economic grievances and have broadened into a wider challenge to Iran's theocratic government. Key points: - Reza Pahlavi has lived in exile in the United States for nearly 50 years. - His calls were rebroadcast by Farsi-language outlets and helped spur large protests on Thursday night. - The demonstrations began with economic complaints and have expanded into broader political dissent. - Iranian state media blamed monarchist elements and reported unrest during the demonstrations. Summary: Pahlavi's public appeals have raised questions about the extent of his support inside Iran, given his long exile and the legacy of his family's rule. He called for further street action for Friday night; the broader outcome and next developments are undetermined at this time.