Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi: Transition Plan and the Fight for Iran's Freedom

Welcome back to part two. This is a rare, historic conversation with Prince Reza Pahlavi, and we’ve only got a short window, so let’s get right to it: after this military campaign, what’s your vision for a free Iran?

This intervention was a life‑saving mission to stop a regime that’s been slaughtering unarmed citizens. With the balance finally shifting, I’ve stepped in to help manage a transition that stabilizes the country fast, then rebuilds it for the long term. Iran should be a high‑growth, rules‑based economy again, open to the world, with massive opportunity for Iranians and partners abroad, including significant new business for American companies.

Iran went from monarchy to dictatorship. The hope now is real democracy with free elections. What are people on the ground telling you, and how fast could this move?

Once the current campaign ends, people can re‑enter public life, and we expect defections and cooperation from those inside the system who choose the nation over the regime. Iranians across political, ethnic, and religious lines are uniting behind a secular democracy, with equality under the law and the final form decided by free elections and a constitutional process.

You’ve said you want to be on the ground. What needs to happen for you to go home after 47 years?

Timing depends on defections and domestic organization, but security is key. I’ll return the moment it’s safe enough to be useful rather than a liability.

This morning, Trump said no deal until there’s unconditional surrender. Do you agree?

Any transition must be legitimate to Iranians. There’s no returning to a discredited system. We’re rallying around four core principles: safeguarding Iran’s territorial integrity, separating religion and state, equality under the law, and a democratic path that goes from a constitutional assembly to nationwide elections. Our Iran Prosperity Project details the first 100 days to stabilize the country and integrate those who break with the regime and accept this platform.

Because you’re the prince, people ask: is a monarchy off the table, and will you run for president?

My job is to steward the process, not pick the outcome or seek office. The world has strong republics and strong parliamentary monarchies; Iranians will choose at the ballot box. I’m a bridge to that choice, not a candidate.

What do you think people will pick, especially given the differences between Gulf monarchies and parliamentary systems?

This time everything must be transparent so voters can compare models—much like Canada or the United States in their own ways—and decide with full understanding. Unlike 1979, there will be no ambiguity about what’s on offer.

Trump says he’ll pick the next leader. Are you in touch, and what’s your message to him?

We’ve had open channels with the administration and members of Congress. No democracy should select Iran’s leader; help the people, and let Iranians choose their government. That’s the principle I believe we all share.

Before you go, what should Americans know about the people and culture of Iran, including those who fled in 1979?

Iranians are deeply connected to America through family, work, and especially tech entrepreneurship. We carry a rich civilization that’s been suffocated by this regime, not defined by it. After September 11, Iranians held candlelight vigils—our quarrel is with tyranny at home, not with America. A true partnership can stabilize the region and serve both nations.

We’re praying for a democratic Iran. When you return to help lead the transition and 93 million people are free, the ripple effects across the region could be profound. Thank you, and please come back when you’re on the ground. Shervin, you set this up—share your story and what you hope to see in the first hundred days.

Thank you, Jason. The Crown Prince is a courageous, principled leader, and we’re fortunate he’s stepped up to guide a transition. Credit to President Trump for confronting a murderous regime that, as we’ve seen, has gunned down peaceful protesters with extreme brutality. The 47‑year nightmare is nearing its end.

The savagery hasn’t been covered enough. Leaders from both parties struggled for decades; give Trump credit for acting. Motives aside, for Iranians, freedom is what matters.

Moral security comes before physical security. The regime struck at many countries in response and would use a nuclear bomb if it had one, which makes this vital to American security too. We’re seeing a showdown with authoritarian blocs; the legitimate transitional figure is Reza Pahlavi. There’s deep historical kinship here—Cyrus the Great freed the Jews, Jefferson studied Persian ideas on rights—and we’ve built Israeli‑Iranian bridges for years to prepare for this moment.

If Iran jumps straight to democracy, what changes across the Middle East?

The Gulf’s modernization shows what’s possible when vision meets resources. Iran’s talent pool is enormous; the diaspora has already created trillions in value in tech and beyond. A free Iran would be the region’s biggest peace and growth dividend. The Iran Prosperity Project lays out a staged path from referendum to constitution to elections, with sector‑by‑sector rebuilding.

Could elements of the current system help separate religion and state and move to democracy, despite risks from extremists?

Most Iranians demand a clean break between mosque and state. Crowds have been calling Reza’s name and responding to his calls. We expect a short, intense dismantling phase, with defections playing a major role.

Have defections started?

A secure channel to the Crown Prince drew tens of thousands of military contacts, and early defections have surfaced. Senior commanders have been neutralized, and others will see the rational path is to surrender and help rebuild if they’ve not committed crimes. There’ll be room for early retirement, continued service for the untainted, and serious trauma care for a country that’s suffered for decades.

Reports mention Kurdish militias and CIA backing. How do you see that?

Territorial integrity is a red line for Iranians and for the Crown Prince. Cooperation in liberation is possible, but Iran must remain one country. The aim is to reach Tehran and bring the Crown Prince home to lead the transition.

Have you been able to go back?

I was a child when the revolution hit. My father secretly aided the US Embassy, landed on an execution list, and escaped through an airport contact; my family fled later with thirty‑five dollars. I grew up in Washington, my dad drove a cab, and that grit shaped my path in tech, including my early days with Uber. Only in America. Now I’m channeling that gratitude into helping the Crown Prince rebuild a free Iran.

What amazes me is how Iranians kept their joy and openness under oppression—sharing food, music, and conversation, staying connected to the world. Thank you for bringing the Prince and for your work.

We love hosting, we love freedom, and we’re grateful for the courage to confront this regime. We can’t wait to welcome the All‑In crew in Tehran.

Visiting Tehran is on my bucket list. What should we eat first?

Persian kebabs are on another level, and the beloved stew is ghormeh sabzi. My mom slow‑cooked it to perfection. I can’t wait to share that meal in a free Iran.

Here’s to a safe next few weeks and the best possible outcome. Thank you both.