It is worth mentioning that Pahlavi’s name has been chanted from the outset this time around. Not shy of an indication of substantial popular recognition that materially diminishes fears of a power vacuum once the regime collapses
This is a good point. I have been cautious about the details on the ground but the “long live the shah” cries have been frequently enough reported that they seem to be accurate.
Would not be terribly disturbing if history were to cast him as Iran’s Charles II, with whatever took hold in 1979 remembered as the country’s interregnum.
Thank you for this thoughtful and timely article — I’m sure it will help raise awareness and support for the Iranian people and their brave struggle. That said, I think adding a couple of important contextual details would make it even more accurate and respectful to Iranian readers.
1) The omission of Reza Pahlavi’s role in the current uprisings
You don’t mention the role of His Imperial Majesty Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, and why his name and calls for change are being voiced on the streets. Across multiple cities in Iran today, slogans in support of Pahlavi — such as “Pahlavi will return” or “Long live the King” — are part of the protests, signaling not just rejection of the Islamic Republic but also public articulation of an alternative vision that includes his leadership for a transitional future.
The Spectator
In speeches and social-media messages, Pahlavi has urged nationwide uprising against the collapsing regime, promised a 100-day transition plan toward democratic governance, and appealed directly to Iranians and members of the security forces to stand with the people.
While his precise role and the form of any future government remain debated inside and outside Iran, his prominence in the movement is a real and meaningful part of the current dynamic. Including this nuance would help readers better understand who people are shouting for — and why.
2) Use of “Gulf” instead of “Persian Gulf”
The article repeatedly refers to the region simply as the “Gulf.” This terminology can be deeply upsetting to Iranian readers, as many Iranians view the body of water as the Persian Gulf — not just as a geographic label, but as part of national identity and historical continuity. Using the contested shorthand “Gulf” (without recognition of the Persian Gulf name) risks alienating some of your audience. A simple adjustment to “Persian Gulf” (with optional mention of nomenclature disputes) would be more culturally respectful.
Again — thank you for highlighting the courage of Iranians and the importance of international solidarity. With these points added, the article would resonate even more faithfully with those inside and beyond Iran who are living this history firsthand.
Thank you for your comments. You make fair points. My only defence - and it’s not really that - is that I’m focussing on the effect more broadly rather than the details of the protests on the ground. You are clearly correct that the Pahlavi monarchy is drawing significant support online. I simply cannot judge how deep that is and as it doesn’t affect the points I made I have avoided it. As for Gulf - you are right. It was just late! No excuses - sorry!!
Thank you for the thoughtful response — much appreciated. I understand your focus on broader effects rather than on-the-ground detail. That said, the scale of street chants, videos, and direct calls inside Iran referencing H.I.M. Reza Pahlavi go beyond online support and reflect a lived reality worth noting. It’s less speculation and more listening to what people are openly demanding.
And thank you for acknowledging the Persian Gulf point — an edit there would genuinely matter to many Iranians. Appreciate your openness and engagement.
The Iranian people deserve to be able to freely choose their future, not be gripped and menaced by ageing clerics. But if the regime were to collapse tomorrow where is the viable alternative government, ready to step in and steady the ship? The mullahs have actively jailed, murdered and exiled credible opposition leaders, and whilst people may well be chanting for a Shah, the current Pahlavi doesn’t inspire any confidence. If the country falls into feuding factions, pockets of Quds force guerillas, etc., etc., it will become another Iraq, or Syria and remain a regional problem.
Thank you Tom, timely and well said. This highlights how peaceful Iran can contribute to the global economy and stability. As a British-Persian woman I am equally concerned about Iran and UK’s future and it is essential for people and politicians to understand these points you have made.
This is interesting. However, there is much hopefulness in the analysis - more so that is likely justified by history. The Englesberg Ideas reference is at least helpful. No one should think that even a violent overturning of the current regime is going to alter the tendency of powerful people to act to retain that power. And that brings consequences far different that hoped for in this essay.
I'd say the demise of the Soviet state in Russia and the resulting rise of the oligarchs and the politically craven and ruthless few is a better exemplar than what you present here (meaning the global effects of regime change in Tehran).
I am not suggesting that the current regime should remain in place. It should die, and die hard. But what comes after will not be life on a bed of roses.
I think that is a very reasonable criticism. Those were rough points. I remain optimistic by nature but I don’t think any of us should be blind to the dangers of a violent backlash or the enriched IRGC launching a coup, nor of course to a subsequent spate of ethnic violence as Iran is a very diverse state.
Very crisp analysis. And still tumbleweed from mainstream media. Why do I pay for bbc and bbc Persia ?
BBC Persian has been covering it closely Adam. Though I am slightly disappointed by BBC in English
Where can I see bbc Persia coverage. Are they sympathetic to protesters
It is worth mentioning that Pahlavi’s name has been chanted from the outset this time around. Not shy of an indication of substantial popular recognition that materially diminishes fears of a power vacuum once the regime collapses
This is a good point. I have been cautious about the details on the ground but the “long live the shah” cries have been frequently enough reported that they seem to be accurate.
Would not be terribly disturbing if history were to cast him as Iran’s Charles II, with whatever took hold in 1979 remembered as the country’s interregnum.
Excellent article. Thank you.
Thank you for this thoughtful and timely article — I’m sure it will help raise awareness and support for the Iranian people and their brave struggle. That said, I think adding a couple of important contextual details would make it even more accurate and respectful to Iranian readers.
1) The omission of Reza Pahlavi’s role in the current uprisings
You don’t mention the role of His Imperial Majesty Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, and why his name and calls for change are being voiced on the streets. Across multiple cities in Iran today, slogans in support of Pahlavi — such as “Pahlavi will return” or “Long live the King” — are part of the protests, signaling not just rejection of the Islamic Republic but also public articulation of an alternative vision that includes his leadership for a transitional future.
The Spectator
In speeches and social-media messages, Pahlavi has urged nationwide uprising against the collapsing regime, promised a 100-day transition plan toward democratic governance, and appealed directly to Iranians and members of the security forces to stand with the people.
While his precise role and the form of any future government remain debated inside and outside Iran, his prominence in the movement is a real and meaningful part of the current dynamic. Including this nuance would help readers better understand who people are shouting for — and why.
2) Use of “Gulf” instead of “Persian Gulf”
The article repeatedly refers to the region simply as the “Gulf.” This terminology can be deeply upsetting to Iranian readers, as many Iranians view the body of water as the Persian Gulf — not just as a geographic label, but as part of national identity and historical continuity. Using the contested shorthand “Gulf” (without recognition of the Persian Gulf name) risks alienating some of your audience. A simple adjustment to “Persian Gulf” (with optional mention of nomenclature disputes) would be more culturally respectful.
Again — thank you for highlighting the courage of Iranians and the importance of international solidarity. With these points added, the article would resonate even more faithfully with those inside and beyond Iran who are living this history firsthand.
Thank you for your comments. You make fair points. My only defence - and it’s not really that - is that I’m focussing on the effect more broadly rather than the details of the protests on the ground. You are clearly correct that the Pahlavi monarchy is drawing significant support online. I simply cannot judge how deep that is and as it doesn’t affect the points I made I have avoided it. As for Gulf - you are right. It was just late! No excuses - sorry!!
Thank you for the thoughtful response — much appreciated. I understand your focus on broader effects rather than on-the-ground detail. That said, the scale of street chants, videos, and direct calls inside Iran referencing H.I.M. Reza Pahlavi go beyond online support and reflect a lived reality worth noting. It’s less speculation and more listening to what people are openly demanding.
And thank you for acknowledging the Persian Gulf point — an edit there would genuinely matter to many Iranians. Appreciate your openness and engagement.
I can’t work out how to do that in my phone so that will have to wait a few days. Sorry!
The Iranian people deserve to be able to freely choose their future, not be gripped and menaced by ageing clerics. But if the regime were to collapse tomorrow where is the viable alternative government, ready to step in and steady the ship? The mullahs have actively jailed, murdered and exiled credible opposition leaders, and whilst people may well be chanting for a Shah, the current Pahlavi doesn’t inspire any confidence. If the country falls into feuding factions, pockets of Quds force guerillas, etc., etc., it will become another Iraq, or Syria and remain a regional problem.
What a great article! Informed, exhaustive, and beautifully written. Thank you very much.
You were right to speak out against the Iran deal at the time and you are right now.
Thanks.
Iran is always trouble 😈
Thank-you Tom for the clear-eyed analysis.
Thank you Tom, timely and well said. This highlights how peaceful Iran can contribute to the global economy and stability. As a British-Persian woman I am equally concerned about Iran and UK’s future and it is essential for people and politicians to understand these points you have made.
This is interesting. However, there is much hopefulness in the analysis - more so that is likely justified by history. The Englesberg Ideas reference is at least helpful. No one should think that even a violent overturning of the current regime is going to alter the tendency of powerful people to act to retain that power. And that brings consequences far different that hoped for in this essay.
I'd say the demise of the Soviet state in Russia and the resulting rise of the oligarchs and the politically craven and ruthless few is a better exemplar than what you present here (meaning the global effects of regime change in Tehran).
I am not suggesting that the current regime should remain in place. It should die, and die hard. But what comes after will not be life on a bed of roses.
I think that is a very reasonable criticism. Those were rough points. I remain optimistic by nature but I don’t think any of us should be blind to the dangers of a violent backlash or the enriched IRGC launching a coup, nor of course to a subsequent spate of ethnic violence as Iran is a very diverse state.
Thanks for a detailed explanation Tom.