The prestige of Reza Pahlavi and growing discontent in Iran have increased the possibility of restoring the constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a secular democratic alternative that is increasingly seen as a stable path for development after the Islamic Republic.

"This is the time to rise; this is the time to reclaim Iran. Let us stand up together and end this regime," said Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to Iranian dissidents after Israel launched military strikes on Iranian territory since June 12.

The launch of "Operation Rising Lion" targeting senior commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and key elements of Iranian military infrastructure marks a significant shift. Israel claims its targets are to weaken, destroy, and eliminate threats. Notably, the scale and precision of this attack have raised speculation that regime change may be an unintended consequence or a deliberate one.

Domestic conditions further strengthen this situation: widespread public anger and deep-rooted resentment toward the Islamic Republic. Decades of repression, poor economic management, and ideological control have eroded the legitimacy of the regime across all social strata. In this context, Reza Pahlavi has once again become a focal figure in debates about Iran's political future.

He recently stated, "Don't fear the consequences after the collapse of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran will not fall into civil war or turmoil. We have plans for Iran's future and its prosperous development."

Although Pahlavi has consistently avoided supporting any specific governance model, his historical ties to the monarchy and the broad support he continues to receive have once again drawn attention to the prospects of a constitutional monarchy.

Reza Pahlavi's popularity is increasing

Based on the turbulence of the 17th century in Britain and the eventual restoration of the monarchy, this resonates with Iran's plight. Just as Britain recognized the monarchy's ability to consolidate governance during hardship, many Iranians today see a constitutional monarchy as a viable path forward.

Mehdi Nasiri, formerly a hardliner and now a critic of the Iranian regime, estimates that between 50% and 70% of Iranians support the restoration of the monarchy. This observation aligns with previous survey data, highlighting the growing support for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.

This growing support is not merely the product of historical disillusionment. The character and leadership of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi have played a crucial role in building trust. Since his exile, Reza Pahlavi has strongly advocated for democracy in Iran, and his leadership style can be described as "moderate but decisive."

Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has consistently advocated for a peaceful democratic transition. His lineage is closely tied to the key contributions of the Pahlavi dynasty to modern Iran, and his firm support for the Iranian people has earned him unique credibility.

More impressive than his royal heritage is the three guiding principles he leads: maintaining Iran's territorial integrity, establishing a secular democratic system based on human rights, and deciding Iran's political future through free elections. Although these principles warrant further discussion, they make Crown Prince Reza a unifying and trustworthy figure among Iran's divided opposition.

Trust is rare in Iran's political arena, but Reza Pahlavi's reputation for reliability stands out. This trust partly stems from the long legacy of the Pahlavi dynasty. Iran's education, healthcare, and military infrastructure still rest on the foundations laid during the Pahlavi era.

Will Reza Pahlavi lead Iran responsibly?

However, the trust in the crown prince does not guarantee an automatic return to power. Monarchy. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi remains committed to allowing the Iranian people to decide their future through a free referendum. This pragmatic stance has even won support from Republicans who appreciate his leadership in promoting a democratic transition.

Critics often dismiss calls for a constitutional monarchy in Iran as an endorsement of authoritarianism. However, such criticism overlooks the nuances of the movement. If a constitutional monarchy has sufficient checks and balances, it has proven capable of maintaining a democratic process. Indeed, some of the world's most powerful democracies, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway, still uphold their long-standing monarchical traditions, combining historical heritage with modern governance.

In many such countries, the monarchy respects its unique national history and serves as a unifying institution, especially in nations with complex ethnic compositions. Without such an institution, a country quickly falls into chaos, triggering ethnic and sectarian conflicts. This threat is particularly severe for a country where years of ideological rule have eroded national identity, making it vulnerable to radical ideologies rooted in racism, anti-imperialism, and political Islam.

Supporters of a constitutional monarchy in Iran emphasize structural efficiency rather than ideology. Many believe that Iran's unique geographical environment, diverse ethnic population, and rich cultural and historical heritage make a constitutional monarchy a more suitable form of governance to ensure stability and promote political development. Unlike ideological movements that often descend into dogmatism, supporters of a constitutional monarchy tend to favor rational pragmatism.

This approach seems to have greater potential in terms of democratization, secular nationalism, and structural flexibility, enabling it to better align with the realities of Iran's diverse society and the everyday lives of its people, whose revolutionary fervor has long since faded, unlike movements rooted in Marxist or Islamic Marxist ideologies.

Certainly, a constitutional monarchy is not a perfect system, and there are certainly radicals among its supporters. However, the call to restore a constitutional monarchy goes beyond nostalgic idealism. It reflects the rational desires of people tired of utopian promises and revolutionary chaos. Returning to a constitutional monarchy marks a collective yearning for stability and a rejection of further revolutionary political experiments.

A constitutional monarchy has deep institutional roots in Iran, offering the people a sense of historical familiarity and providing a framework for a constitutional transition. These institutions can facilitate the transition process while advancing the long-overdue political and economic development that has been hindered by ideological rule.

Western commentators and policymakers must recognize that this movement is a reasonable outcome of Iran's historical experience. Dismissing it as nostalgia for authoritarianism or irrationality misunderstands the driving forces behind Iran's democratic transition. Instead, this growing support deserves recognition as a feasible and reasonable response to decades of upheaval.

Source: International Interests

Author: Masoud Zamani

Masoud Zamani is a lecturer in International Law and International Relations at the University of British Columbia.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7523766030762508839/

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