Growing protests in Iran do not necessarily signal a return to monarchy

Supporters of Reza Pahlavi say recent street demonstrations answered his call, but many Iranians remain wary of a return to monarchical rule and no clear alternative leadership has emerged; international figures have so far been cautious.

Large street demonstrations have appeared across Iran, and supporters of Reza Pahlavi say the crowds responded to his call to action. Many protesters are calling to end corruption, political repression and rising prices, but they do not present a single, unified leadership or manifesto. Some Iranians view calls for a return to monarchy with suspicion rather than as an endorsement of one leader. International leaders, including the US president, have so far acted with caution rather than offering public endorsement. Key points: - Supporters of Reza Pahlavi have described recent crowds as a referendum on his leadership. - Protesters' publicly stated demands focus on ending corruption, repression and inflation, and there is no clear alternative leadership or unified programme. - International responses have been cautious; the US president has not endorsed Pahlavi, and officials from Oman were reported to be due in Tehran as mediators. Summary: The protests have intensified debate about what might follow the current regime, but a clear successor or political programme has not appeared. Pahlavi has called for further demonstrations and is due to attend an event in Florida, while reports say mediators from Oman are expected in Tehran. Undetermined at this time.