From childhood, I grew up in an environment where religious values were introduced as the key to salvation for both life and the world, deeply ingraining themselves into a young, inquisitive mind. However, as I journeyed through life, I encountered new thoughts and ideas that distanced me from my family’s framework and led me toward leftist and revolutionary beliefs. At first, I believed these ideas were a new and correct path to achieving justice and freedom, but over time, their bitter realities and contradictions became evident to me.
The False Allure of Communism
During my teenage and young adult years, the atmosphere in high school, university, and intellectual circles drew me toward leftist ideas, particularly communism. I was profoundly influenced by Marxist theories—ideas that blamed capitalism and monarchy as the root causes of social injustice and inequality. Initially, these ideas seemed appealing, as they promised a classless society filled with justice. But as time went on and I examined these theories more closely, their contradictions became increasingly apparent. A brief look at communist regimes, such as those in the Soviet Union and China, revealed that they not only failed to honor their promises of freedom and justice but also institutionalized oppression and tyranny. The concrete experience of these regimes demonstrated that instead of creating social justice, they intensified poverty and inequality. It was heartbreaking to let go of friends who remained loyal to these beliefs, refusing to accept that this ideology and these regimes had not only failed to achieve justice but also gave rise to even greater crises. These developments compelled me to reflect further on the history and impact of communist ideology across the globe. My study of the histories of various countries, including Vietnam, Cuba, and North Korea, showed that this ideology had failed to bring justice and equality to any of these nations. In some cases, it even led to greater violence and oppression. Iran, too, witnessed the activities of the Tudeh Party during the Pahlavi era, which, although initially presented as a voice for justice, ultimately failed to provide practical and effective solutions to the country's issues.
Exploring Other Opposing Groups
In my search for a better alternative to communism, I gradually examined other opposing groups. However, the deeper I delved into their ideologies and practices, the more I realized that none of them offered a viable path to save Iran. Instead, each group contributed, in its own way, to creating new crises for the country. One of the prominent groups that caught my attention for study was the People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK). This organization emerged with revolutionary and anti-capitalist slogans and populist claims under the name "Islamic socialism." However, in practice, it committed significant betrayals against the Iranian people. One of the MEK's greatest betrayals was its collaboration with Saddam Hussein's regime during the Iran-Iraq War, an action that was not only morally indefensible but also led to the perception of the group as traitors to the nation. Additionally, the cult-like structure of the organization and its use of mind-control techniques, separating members from their families, restricting social interactions, creating a repressive and compulsory internal environment, enforcing compulsory divorces, and banning emotional relationships, brainwashing, limiting thought, violating human rights, and prohibiting members from leaving the organization—all of these practices, combined with ideological duplicity and alignment with the leadership's interests, hindered any criticism of leadership. This excessive control transformed the MEK into a group with a cult-like structure and extremist policies. Despite their claims of democracy and freedom, the MEK in practice deprived its members of individual rights and used repressive methods to maintain power. These contradictions led many members to leave the organization over time. The ideas of the MEK initially seemed attractive to many young Iranians, but over time, the truth emerged: this group sought power and control more than social justice. Their actions, particularly in establishing military bases in Iraq and collaborating with the enemies of the Iranian nation, revealed a massive betrayal of popular aspirations. With a history of terror and armed operations in past decades and an insistence on extreme and militant methods to gain power, the MEK has come to be seen by Iranians as a threat to the country’s security and unity. Many Iranians, citing the experience of the clerical revolution, see the MEK as a danger to the future of Iran due to their support for civil war and attempts to overthrow the regime through armed actions. They believe that peaceful and democratic solutions offer a better alternative to violence and internal conflict for transitioning to a popular government.
In the course of these studies, I also examined separatist groups. Separatism in Iran has long been a serious threat to the territorial integrity of the country. These groups claim to defend ethnic rights, but in reality, they seek only to divide the country and create instability. Historical experience shows that separatism not only fails to lead to freedom and justice but also results in increased violence and instability. Groups like the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and Komala have long pursued separatist agendas. However, severe internal disunity and their inability to offer a practical and comprehensive plan for the future have significantly weakened these groups. Additionally, separating Iran would not only mean losing national resources and power but would also lead to greater internal and external threats and instability. The MEK and separatist groups both drew a red line in my mind against accepting their ideologies due to their extremist and antagonistic behavior and their outdated and weak ideas.
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi : An Alternative for Iran's Salvation
Through a detailed study of Iran's history and its current situation, I have come to believe that Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi is the best hope for the nation to overcome its current crises. He is the legitimate heir and the only figure who can guide Iran towards democracy, freedom, and progress. Relying on the principles of democracy and human rights, he offers a way for Iran to return to the global community and reclaim its former greatness. For many Iranians, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi symbolizes hope for a free and democratic future. His commitment to human rights and democracy positions him as a viable alternative for rescuing Iran from its current crises. With his adherence to universal values and his dedication to democracy, he offers a vision of reintegrating Iran into the international community and improving the nation’s internal conditions. He pursues national unity and cohesion, rooted in the legacy of the Pahlavi family, and believes that Iran’s future should be shaped by its people without foreign interference. This emphasis on national unity and solidarity has made him a reassuring choice for many Iranians seeking change without violence and a peaceful transition. After the 1979 Revolution, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi moved to the United States for his education, eventually earning a degree in political science from the University of Southern California. He also attended programs in law and international relations, which have given him a deeper perspective on global and political issues. With his thorough understanding of governmental structures and political systems, he has continually sought to provide practical and actionable solutions for Iran. Over the years, he has used speeches, interviews, and appearances at international forums to advocate for Iran’s political and social changes and to amplify the voice of the Iranian people globally. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has repeatedly emphasized the need for a free referendum to determine Iran's future government. He believes that the Iranian people should be the primary decision-makers in their country’s governmental structure in an open, pressure-free environment. In his view, Iran needs a democratic and secular system founded on the principles of freedom and human rights. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi views constitutional monarchy as one option—a type of government where the king serves solely as a symbol of unity and continuity, while the state is governed through democracy and the will of the people. He believes that such a structure could help rebuild and restore Iran as an independent, powerful nation based on human rights principles. One of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's most notable qualities is his moderate, anti-violence stance. He has always emphasized that change must occur peacefully, without bloodshed. This non-violent approach, particularly in Iran’s sensitive situation, demonstrates his commitment to a stable, peaceful transition. Furthermore, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi maintains strong relationships with international organizations and has garnered support from various global circles. These relationships could, should he come to power, positively impact Iran’s relations with other countries and improve the nation’s economic conditions. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi also champions the rights of ethnic groups, women, and minorities, advocating for equality and social justice. He believes that all segments of society should participate equally in the country’s social and political life. This commitment to legal and social equality, alongside his dedication to a referendum and people’s right to choose, presents him as a progressive defender of human rights. These qualities, combined with his adherence to democratic and human rights principles, make him a credible and hopeful choice for a better future for Iran.
Re-evaluating Ideologies and the Path Forward
Throughout this challenging journey, I have learned significant lessons from my intellectual doubts and mistakes. One of the most important lessons is the value of critical thinking and deep study before embracing any ideology or political movement. Many ideologies, especially revolutionary ones like communism or the ideas of groups such as the MEK, enter the field with seductive and seemingly appealing promises. Yet, when we examine their actions and outcomes up close, we see that their promises remain mere words and, in practice, lead to even greater injustice and tyranny. These experiences have led me to conclude that only by returning to the principles of democracy and freedom—and relying on a constitutional monarchy under the leadership of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi—can Iran escape this historical deadlock. With his focus on human rights, democracy, and individual freedoms, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi outlines a clear path for Iran's future.
Conclusion: My Belief in a Monarchical Future
Now, after a lifetime of searching and years of concealing my inner beliefs, I proudly declare with confidence that Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi is Iran’s only hope to return to the right path. He is not only a legitimate alternative but also, by adhering to the principles of democracy and human rights, capable of leading Iran toward a brighter, free, and empowered future. From a geopolitical perspective, post-Islamic Republic Iran will occupy a critical position in the world, and fostering friendly relations with major countries, particularly the United States and Israel, can aid in its stability and progress. By establishing strong diplomatic relations and constructive engagement with other nations, especially neighboring countries, Iran can play a decisive role in regional developments. One of the main challenges for Iran over the past decades has been international isolation, created by the aggressive policies of the Islamic Republic and its antagonism toward Western countries. But a new Iran, under the leadership of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, could abandon these policies and, through active diplomacy, regain its place in the international community. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has repeatedly shown that he seeks a democratic government led by the people of Iran. With a clear vision for the country and a deep awareness of its complex history, he can bridge the gap between Iran’s glorious past and the future that Iranians have always longed for.
A new chapter in Iran’s history is unfolding, and I am confident that this chapter, under Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi’s leadership, will be written in the best possible way. I am hopeful for Iran's future.
