Latest news with #Khamenei-led
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
A man waits in the shadows for the Iranian regime change
Live Events Who is Reza Pahlavi? Does Reza Pahalvi stand a chance? (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As tensions soar in the Israel-Iran conflict, calls for regime change in Iran have grown louder – from hawks in the United States Congress to Israeli officials and some Iranian activists contend that the Islamic Republic is vulnerable, making this an opportune moment to exploit internal turmoil and widespread dissatisfaction to push for the collapse of the clerical regime led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday that Israel's operation 'could certainly' result in regime change, as the government in Iran is 'very weak.' He claimed that '80% of the people would throw these theological thugs out.' Although the country's President Isaac Herzog has recently said that regime change was 'not an official objective of ours,' and the goal was 'to remove the Iranian nuclear program.'Either way, the buzz around regime change is picking up steam, and there's one name that is coming to the front: Reza Pahlavi Reza Pahlavi, officially named Crown Prince of Iran, is the son and successor of Iran's last monarch, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He left Iran in 1978, at the age of 17, just before the Iranian Revolution overthrew his father and abolished the monarchy, paving the way for the establishment of the Islamic Republic that rules the country the Pahlavi dynasty was credited by many for its modernising influence in Iran, it was also criticised for its attacks on religion and alleged human rights Pahlavi, the founder and leader of the National Council of Iran, an exiled opposition group, participates in the Iranian democracy movement and is a prominent critic of Iran's Islamic Republic has sought to exploit the void created by the Israeli strikes to claim to speak for the regime's opponents from his base in the he said, he was offering himself as a 'transitional leader' of a secular, democratic alternative to the a scathing attack on Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and his regime, Pahlavi recently said, "My fellow Countrymen, the 'Islamic Republic' has reached its end and is in the process of collapsing. Khamenei, like a frightened rat, has gone into hiding underground, and has lost control of the situation. What has begun is irreversible.""For years, I have tried to prevent our homeland from being consumed by the fire of war. The end of the Islamic Republic is the end of its 46-year war against the Iranian nation. The regime's apparatus of repression is finally falling apart."Urging the people to unite and revolt against the Khamenei-led regime, Pahlavi said, "All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all. Now is the time to rise; the time to reclaim Iran.'The Islamic regime has for years been battling public disgruntlement as anger intensified among an aspirant, youthful population disillusioned with decades of oppressive rule, isolation and economic now, with Israeli bombs raining down on the Islamic Republic and the regime locked in a battle for its survival, Pahlavi, the highest-profile regime opponent in exile, is betting that his moment may finally arrive.'This is the first time in all these years that we see the playing field being more even for an opportunity for change,' Pahlavi told the Financial he has been a peripheral figure, accused by critics of lacking credibility and unable to form an organised opposition to challenge the theocratic leaders who seized power in told FT that Pahlavi does have some support in Iran, as he has tapped frustrations with the regime and nostalgia for the pre-revolutionary era. But the extent of that support is 'debatable', and the Iranian diaspora has long been blighted by internal divisions and accusations that it is out of additional risk for Pahlavi, who met Netanyahu while visiting Israel in 2023, is that he will be viewed as a collaborator with Iran's aggressor, eroding what support he has in the republic, analysts 64-year-old insisted that Iranians were 'smart enough' to know this is not 'Israel's war with Iran'.Mehrzad Boroujerdi, a US-based Iranian-American academic, told FT, even in a scenario where Israel and the US — if it intervened — defeated Iran and sought to put Pahlavi in power, the story would not end there.'Considering the degree of political polarisation in the country . . . many are going to view him as a puppet of the Israelis and the Americans.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Islamic Republic has reached its end': Exiled royal Reza Pahlavi urges uprising in Iran; calls Khamenei 'a frightened rat'
Reza Pahlavi and Khamenei (R) Exiled Iranian royal Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, issued a dramatic call to action on Tuesday, urging Iran's military, police, and state employees to join a nationwide uprising against the Khamenei-led Islamic Republic, declaring that its "fall has begun. " In a sweeping address to the Iranian people, Pahlavi wrote on X, "The Islamic Republic has reached its end and is in the process of collapsing. Khamenei, like a frightened rat, has gone into hiding underground and has lost control of the situation. What has begun is irreversible." — PahlaviReza (@PahlaviReza) He expressed solidarity with those affected by the country's turmoil and reiterated his long-standing opposition to war. "In these difficult days, my heart is with all the defenceless citizens who have been harmed and have fallen victim to Khamenei's warmongering and delusions." Calling the current moment a 'sharp turn in history,' Pahlavi asserted, "The regime's apparatus of repression is falling apart. All it takes now is a nationwide uprising to put an end to this nightmare once and for all." Encouraging people across Iranian cities—from Bandar Abbas to Mashhad—to take to the streets, he sought to calm fears of chaos post-regime: "Do not fear the day after the fall of the Islamic Republic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 유일한 공식 무료 SOC 게임! 설치도 없습니다! 경복의 바다 다운로드 Undo Iran will not descend into civil war or instability." He said preparations were already in place: "We have a plan for Iran's future and its flourishing. We are prepared for the first hundred days after the fall, for the transitional period, and for the establishment of a national and democratic government—by the Iranian people and for the Iranian people." To members of Iran's state apparatus, Pahlavi appealed directly: "Do not stand against the Iranian people for the sake of a regime whose fall has begun and is inevitable. By standing with the people, you can save your lives." His call came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced strong support for regime change in Iran during an interview with the opposition-linked Iran International news outlet, saying, "The regime's days are numbered… I know that Iran can be great again. It was a great civilization, and this theological thuggery that has kidnapped your country will not stand for long, and you are the future, not them. " Netanyahu added: "A light has been lit—carry it to freedom. Your hour of freedom is near; it's happening now." Highlighting what he described as widespread dissent, Netanyahu said, "These dictators in Iran, sure they fear us—but they fear you, the people of Iran, even more. They understand that 80 percent of Iranians despise them." In a separate interview with Fox News, the Israeli leader indicated that ongoing pressure on Tehran could lead to a change in regime: "Regime change could certainly be the result." Citing ancient ties between the Iranian and Jewish people, Netanyahu said, "The Persian people and the Jewish people have had an ancient friendship that goes back to the times of Cyrus the Great; that could happen again." He emphasised, however, that the final decision rests with Iranians: "The decision to act, to rise up, at this time is the decision of the Iranian people." Israeli PM also confirmed that Israel's recent strikes, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion", were launched based on intelligence that Tehran had stockpiled enough enriched uranium to build nine nuclear bombs.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Israel-Iran conflict: Will Khamenei meet Saddam Hussein's fate? Israel issues chilling warning
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left) and Saddam Hussein Israeli defence minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned that Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could have a "similar fate" to Iraq's former dictator Saddam Hussein . "Remember what happened to the dictator in the neighbouring country of Iran who took this path against Israel," Katz told news agency Reuters. Katz's caveat linking Khamenei's fate to Saddam Hussein could be considered a highly charged statement, reflecting the deepening hostility between the Jewish State and its arch-rival Tehran. Saddam Hussein was overthrown and executed following a US-led invasion in 2003, symbolising the total collapse of his regime. By drawing this parallel, Katz is not only issuing a personal threat to Khamenei but also hinting at the potential for regime change in Iran if its aggressive policies, particularly towards Israel, persist. The statement seems aimed at both psychological warfare and international signalling, reaffirming Israel's resolve to confront what it perceives as existential threats. According to the Israeli government, the threat stems from the Khamenei-led state actively involved in the enrichment of uranium beyond permitted limits that could potentially make Iran a nuclear-capable nation. Invoking Saddam's fate serves as a cautionary tale, warning Khamenei that unchecked defiance and militarism could lead to catastrophic personal and national consequences. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Investigadora argentina revela hallazgos sobre el magnesio Salud Esencial Leer más Undo Saddam was known for his hostility towards Israel, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. During the 1991 Gulf War, Saddam's forces fired Scud missiles at Israel, aiming to draw Israel into the conflict and destabilise the US-led coalition against him. Despite the provocation, Israel, under US pressure, chose not to retaliate. Saddam's regime was marked by brutal oppression, regional wars, and defiance of international norms. Eventually, the US invaded Iraq in 2003, citing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) that were never found. Saddam was captured later that year, put on trial, and executed on December 30, 2006. The conflict between Israel and Iran has intensified for the fifth consecutive day, pushing the region dangerously close to an all-out war. Throughout the night, the area saw heavy missile fire, drone shoot-downs, and swift evacuation directives. Air raid sirens echoed across Israel, while explosions lit up Tehran's skyline. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump cut short his appearance at the G7 summit in Canada, warning civilians to "immediately evacuate Tehran" -- raising suspicions that much would be brewing in West Asia than what meets the eye. As casualties mount, with evacuation orders affecting hundreds of thousands and major regional air routes coming to a standstill, concerns are growing over the possibility of a wider regional war. Despite the ongoing violence, Trump maintains that "Iran still wants a deal," even as his national security team convenes in Washington. Meanwhile, Israel asserts it has total control over Iranian skies, signalling a further escalation. The situation remains tense and highly volatile.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Israel-Iran tensions: 'One-third of Iranian regime's missile launchers dismantled', claims IDF; watch video
Screengrab from clip shared by IDF The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) on Monday claimed to have dismantled "one-third of Iran's missile launchers" in last night's attack, as tensions between the Jewish state and Tehran continue to peak over uranium enrichment and the possibility that the Khamenei-led nation may soon develop nuclear weapons. The IDF shared footage of attacks on Iranian sites, saying that they dismantled over 20 surface-to-surface Iranian missiles "minutes before they were to be launched toward Israel's home front". "Approx. 100 military targets were struck in Isfahan, central Iran. Around 50 fighter jets and aircraft identified and struck missile storage sites and surface-to-surface missile launchers that were ready for launch toward Israel," the IDF claimed on X. It further wrote: "With this, we can now say that 1/3rd of the Iranian regime's missile launchers have been dismantled." Earlier, Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of trying to widen the scope of the ongoing conflict by targeting a key gas facility along the Gulf coast. 'Dragging the conflict into the Persian Gulf region is a major strategic mistake, likely deliberate and intended to extend the war beyond Iranian territory,' Araghchi said during a meeting with foreign diplomats. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exclusive Pre-Launch Offers – SPR Gurgaon Signature Global Book Now Undo The minister's remarks came in response to Israel's strike on a gas installation operating in the South Pars field, located offshore near Iran's southern Bushehr province. The site is critical, providing nearly 70 per cent of Iran's domestic natural gas supply. The South Pars/North Dome gas field, shared between Iran and Qatar, is considered the largest known natural gas reserve in the world. Iran has been actively developing its portion of the field since the late 1990s. On Saturday, Iranian media reported a "massive explosion" and a subsequent fire after an Israeli drone attack targeted facilities at Phase 14 of the South Pars project. Calling the incident "an extremely dangerous move," Araghchi warned that military escalation in the Gulf "could involve the entire region -- and possibly the whole world." The attack on South Pars came shortly after Israel's large-scale offensive on Friday, which struck nuclear sites, military installations, residential areas, and reportedly killed senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran launched a deadly missile barrage against Israel, killing at least 10 people overnight on Sunday and injuring dozens more.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Full strength of US forces will ...': Donald Trump issues strong warning to Iran; says US not involved in attack on Iran
Donald Trump (File photo) US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Sunday, declaring that if the US is attacked in any way, it would unleash its military might "at levels never seen before." The statement came as Trump sought to distance the United States from Israel's recent massive airstrikes on Iran, which were conducted under Operation Rising Lion, resulting in rising tensions across the Middle East region. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote a direct message to the Khamenei-led Islamic Republic: "The US had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight. If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the US Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before. However, we can easily get a deal done between Iran and Israel, and end this bloody conflict!!!" — TrumpTruthOnX (@TrumpTruthOnX) Trump's position on Israel's Operation Rising Lion, however, has shifted multiple times over the past few days. Just hours before the Israeli offensive, he had called for a diplomatic solution with Tehran. But after the Israeli airstrikes concluded, the president appeared to credit his own past warnings to Iran, as a build-up cause for Iran's nuclear aspirations. "Two months ago I gave Iran a 60-day ultimatum to 'make a deal,'" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn't get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!" In another extensive post earlier, Trump claimed he had warned Iran in "the strongest of words", asserting that Iranian commanders were caught off guard: "They didn't know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!" He added a final appeal for de-escalation: "There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter... come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left." Israeli airstrikes killed six of Iran's top nuclear scientists and several senior military commanders. Israeli officials defended the operation as a "preemptive strike" aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear weapons infrastructure.
