Exiled Iranian crown prince pleads for UK support amid protests

Reza Pahlavi, an exiled Iranian crown prince, urged the UK Government to support protesters seeking change in Iran; the article says his team has set up a secure QR channel to allow members of the security forces to pledge support. Large demonstrations have been reported since December 28 and authorities have restricted internet and phone services.

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Iranian crown prince, has publicly asked the UK Government to stand with people taking part in current anti-government protests. He and his supporters say they have created a secure defection channel, including a QR code, intended for members of Iran's security forces who wish to pledge support for a transition. Protests began in late December and have continued in major cities, and authorities have restricted internet and phone services across parts of the country. Reports in the article cite arrests and deaths linked to the unrest, and those figures are presented as reported by sources. Key points: - The article reports that Reza Pahlavi urged the UK to support protesters and to work toward a peaceful transition. - The piece says Pahlavi’s team established a secure QR channel intended to allow members of the military and police to confidentially pledge support for change. - Sources report large demonstrations since December 28 and that authorities have blocked or limited internet and phone services. - Reports of arrests and fatalities are described in the article but are not independently verified in the piece. Summary: The article highlights an appeal from an exiled royal figure for international backing amid ongoing demonstrations and communications restrictions in Iran. Reported numbers of arrests and deaths are presented by sources in the piece, and the next formal or legal steps are undetermined at this time.