MUNICH, Germany, Feb 15, (V7N) - Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, told a rally in Munich on Saturday that he was ready to lead Iran toward a “secular democratic future.” His remarks came as US President Donald Trump said a change of power in Tehran would be “the best thing,” while Washington continues diplomatic engagement with Iran.

Addressing a crowd of around 200,000 supporters waving flags of the toppled monarchy, Pahlavi declared: “I am committed to be the leader of transition for you so we can one day have the final opportunity to decide the fate of our country through a democratic, transparent process to the ballot box.”

The rally coincided with demonstrations in Los Angeles, Washington, Toronto and other cities, where protesters voiced solidarity with anti-government movements inside Iran. Pahlavi urged Iranians to continue chanting slogans from their homes and rooftops, linking diaspora protests with domestic dissent.

Trump, who on Friday sent a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East, has threatened military intervention in support of demonstrators. He said regime change would be the “best thing that could happen,” though he declined to specify who might succeed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The ICC crackdown on protests in Iran has drawn international condemnation. Rights groups say thousands were killed and tens of thousands arrested during demonstrations that peaked in January. Videos verified by AFP show continued anti-government chants despite the clerical leadership’s celebration of the 1979 revolution anniversary.

Iran and the United States, which severed diplomatic ties after the revolution, held talks last week in Oman on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Switzerland confirmed Saturday that Oman will host another round of discussions in Geneva next week.

Pahlavi, 65, has faced criticism within the divided Iranian opposition, particularly for his support of Israel and his refusal to distance himself from his father’s autocratic rule. Still, many protesters have called for a return of the monarchy, and Pahlavi insists he is prepared to lead a democratic transition.

END/WD/RH/