Paris, France — Feb. 28: West Asia has been jolted by a new escalation after the United States and Israel launched a coordinated strike on Iran, an operation being called Operation Roaring Lion. Officials say the strikes aim to prevent the regime from rearming and to create conditions for Iranians to seize control of their country.
Former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, a focal figure for months of protests inside Iran, responded from exile in France, describing the military action as a humanitarian intervention. In a message posted on X, he told compatriots that “moments of destiny lie ahead,” and said that the aid promised by the U.S. has arrived to target the Islamic Republic’s repressive structures rather than the Iranian nation itself. He added, however, that ultimate victory would depend on the Iranian people: it is they, he said, who will complete the final struggle and reclaim the streets when called upon.
Pahlavi also urged members of Iran’s military, police and security forces to honor their oath to protect the Iranian people rather than defend the regime. He warned that those who cling to the leadership would sink with it and urged security personnel to join the public in helping secure a stable transition.
Addressing U.S. President Donald Trump, Pahlavi framed Iranians as natural allies of the United States and the free world, and appealed for extreme caution during military operations to avoid civilian casualties. He stressed the importance of preserving civilian lives as Iranians seek change.
Until the moment for mass action arrives, Pahlavi asked fellow citizens to remain safe at home and maintain readiness. He said he will announce a precise timeline for when people should return to the streets and that he will continue to communicate through social media and satellite media; if internet and satellite services are disrupted, he pledged to stay in contact via radio waves.
Earlier, President Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian forces, urging them to lay down arms and accept surrender terms that would spare them, while warning of severe consequences otherwise. He framed the operation as an historic opening for Iranians to seize freedom, advising citizens to take shelter as strikes proceed.
The direct strikes come after weeks of heightened diplomatic tension and military posturing in the region and follow ongoing nuclear negotiations. Authorities and analysts are still assessing the full scope and impact of the operation.
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