Reza Pahlavi emerges as a prominent figure behind Iran protests

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, has been a visible leader in large overseas rallies supporting protesters in Iran and has used social media to call for continued action; reporting notes strong diaspora turnout and attention from some foreign backers.

Reza Pahlavi has become a focal figure for large diaspora demonstrations after calling for coordinated days of action in cities including Toronto, Munich and Los Angeles. He is the eldest son of the last shah of Iran and lives in exile in the United States. Reporting links his visibility to widespread unrest in Iran and to international attention around the demonstrations. Officials and media have also reported a government crackdown in Iran and restrictions on communications. Key points: - Hundreds of thousands attended rallies in multiple cities after Pahlavi called for coordinated protests, with large turnouts reported in Toronto and Munich. - Pahlavi is presented as an opposition leader by many in the diaspora and has used social media and public events to urge continued action. - Polling cited in reporting put support for Pahlavi at about 31 percent among Iranians in one survey, higher than other opposition figures in that poll. - Reports note some outreach to foreign governments and visible support from certain international backers at rallies, including the display of pre-1979 Iranian flags. Summary: Pahlavi’s prominence has mobilized sizable overseas demonstrations and drawn international attention to the unrest in Iran. Domestic conditions are reported to include a government crackdown and communication restrictions, and the next procedural or political steps remain undetermined at this time.