The Case for Reza Pahlavi as the Cornerstone of Middle East Peace

In the midst of the ongoing conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, international observers have noted the Iranian populace's consistent support for Israel and their rejection of the regime’s destructive policies. This outspoken support is more than mere sentiment; it represents a national readiness for friendship with Middle Eastern nations, including Israel and Sunni Arab countries, contingent upon the regime's defeat, setting the stage for a significant shift in regional alliances. In this article, we argue that overcoming this regime is crucial to unlocking peace in the Middle East.

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To fully appreciate the context of the Iranian public's sentiments, we must consider recent events: The large-scale pro-Palestinian marches in Western countries, often featuring overt anti-Semitism, have been shocking. In stark contrast, the reaction from within Iran since the Hamas attack on October 7th shows a nation defying the regime's aggressive pro-Hamas propaganda. For instance, in October 2023, football fans in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, angered by the regime's display of the Palestinian flag, chanted, “Shove the Palestinian flag up your a**.” This sentiment was echoed in a northern stadium in early May 2024 and mirrored by the Iranian diaspora on numerous occasions.

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Examining the regional response further, even when compared to Arab nations that have recently signed peace agreements with Israel, the reaction from Iran has been distinctly different. While these populations, often sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, have driven their governments to issue somewhat strong anti-Israel statements in response to public dissatisfaction, Ali Khamenei, the leader of the so-called Islamic Revolution, confronts the reverse situation in Iran—a country that strongly opposes his pro-Hamas and anti-Israel stance. Nevertheless, he continues to propagate his anti-Semitic rhetoric.

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The divergence in perspectives is rooted in the lived experience of the Iranian people, a deep-seated patriotism that serves as an "Iron Dome," shielding them from the Shia fundamentalism promoted by the Ayatollah's regime.

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For the past 45 years, Iranians have suffered severely under Shiite fundamentalism and hostile policies towards Israel, enduring extensive international sanctions, global isolation, poverty, and significant depletion of their national wealth—all without any discernible benefits to the people. The regime’s foreign policy, which supports groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, has failed not only to assist the citizens of these affected countries but has also led to considerable suffering, conflict, and devastation within Iran itself. The repeated chants of "Neither Gaza nor Lebanon, my life is for Iran" underscore a profound questioning of their government’s priorities—why it does not pursue peace and economic prosperity with neighboring states rather than continuing to foster conflict.

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From a broader regional view, major Arab countries in the region, such as Egypt, Jordan, and more recently the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, have normalized relations with Israel. Similarly, Saudi Arabia, based on all indications, appears to be on a similar trajectory. Iranians observe that by adopting a moderate and rational policy towards Israel, Sunni Arab countries not only advance peace and cooperation but also enhance the well-being of their populations through sensible foreign policy.

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In contrast to regional developments, Iranians chant these slogans not out of ill will towards Palestinians but to highlight the disastrous foreign policy of their regime, which has brought significant harm. To them, the Islamic Republic represents an abnormal government that neither believes in the nation-state nor respects geographical boundaries or the sovereignty of regional countries. This regime is intent on exporting its revolution to the countries of the region and aims to dominate the entire Middle East, using the Palestinian cause merely as a pretext to achieve this goal. When a helicopter crash resulted in the deaths of Ebrahim Raisi and the regime's foreign minister, spontaneous celebrations broke out in Gaza, Tehran, Israel and parts of Syria. People distributed sweets in the streets, illustrating how nations affected by the regime share in each other's moments of joy and sorrow. Our nations are much closer and have more in common than differences.

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In their resistance, many Iranians, especially the youth, draw inspiration from figures like Cyrus the Great rather than religious figures, emphasizing a cultural heritage that values historic respect for people of different faiths and backgrounds. This perspective promotes a vision of peace and cooperation with neighbors, in stark contrast to the regime's belligerence.

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In a region where the pendulum swings between urgency and the possibility for peace, recent developments have underscored the potential for significant change. Following that, the international media focused attention on Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Crown Prince of Iran. He champions replacing the current regime with a secular, democratic government. Pahlavi argues that the conflict with Israel and Sunni Arab states is fabricated by the regime and does not reflect true Iranian sentiments. His considerable popularity and clear stance offer a unique opportunity for Sunni Arab countries and Israel to support a transition that could bring stability to the region.

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Reflecting on shared goals, Reza Pahlavi has endeavored to highlight the interconnected destinies of the Iranian and Israeli peoples, and has commended the decision by Arab countries to choose peace by adopting the Abraham Accords, over conflict. Pahlavi has consistently condemned the regime’s use of Houthis against Saudi Arabia, and has applauded the Arab countries' commitment to safeguarding the well-being of their populations. This connection was strikingly demonstrated during his visit to Israel in 2023, accompanied by his wife, Yasmine Pahlavi.

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The regime is actively pursuing a nuclear-capable warhead as part of its deterrence strategy, with the annihilation of Israel as a core existential goal. Additionally, the recent attack on Israel served as a warning to Arab states resisting Khamenei’s regional dominance, implying that they too could be targeted.

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At this critical juncture, Israel and the Sunni Arab nations have the opportunity to strategically harness the patriotic sentiment among Iranians, who see the Islamic regime as an occupying force. The regime’s ongoing assault on regional stability provides a compelling reason for these nations to support the Iranian freedom movement with a commitment that matches the intensity of the support the Khamenei regime provides to its allies.

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Pahlavi, as the foremost figure in the post-Islamic regime transition, represents the optimal choice for Israel and Arab states, as his commitment stems from genuine Iranian patriotism, not opportunism. He comprehends the significant benefits a stable Middle East would bring to a free Iran. Enjoying widespread popularity among Iranians, Pahlavi is uniquely positioned to curtail Shiite expansionism and dismantle all of Khamenei’s proxies in the region, such as Hezbollah. Pahlavi’s unwavering stance against these forces reflects his understanding that their presence not only threatens regional stability but also the very essence of Iran itself. He advocates for cooperation and collaboration based on mutual respect, equality, and dignity, believing these principles can create win-win scenarios. It is crucial for these countries to support and empower Pahlavi, fostering a partnership based on shared interests. Such collaboration is vital and urgent, as it lays the groundwork for enduring peace and prosperity in the region.

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For Iranians aspiring to freedom, formidable allies like Israel and Sunni Arab states are pivotal in their struggle against the regime. By backing the Iranian people and their prominent leader, the Middle East can seize the opportunity to decisively end the threat of the Islamic regime once and for all, relegating it to history.