TEHRAN – Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi has declared that the country’s government is “facing a severe shortage of mercenaries to confront the millions of people in the streets,” alleging that many security personnel have abandoned their posts or are refusing orders amid ongoing nationwide protests.
In a statement circulated on Monday, Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince and a prominent voice against the Islamic Republic, claimed the regime’s capacity to suppress demonstrations is weakening due to internal dissent within its security apparatus.
“Many security forces have left their workplaces or disobeyed orders,” Pahlavi asserted, framing the unrest as a critical turning point where public defiance is outpacing the state’s ability to respond.
The protests, now in their third week, were triggered by economic hardship and political discontent, with crowds chanting against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and tearing down regime flags in symbolic acts of rebellion.
While the Iranian government has not publicly responded to Pahlavi’s latest remarks, it has previously attributed the protests to foreign interference and arrested hundreds of demonstrators.
Analysts note that claims of security force disaffection are difficult to verify due to media restrictions, but persistent reports of low morale and defections could indicate fractures within the regime’s coercive structures.
Pahlavi’s statement amplifies opposition narratives as demonstrations continue, suggesting that the protest movement may be gaining both momentum and tactical advantage.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on statements from an opposition figure. Claims regarding security force behavior cannot be independently verified due to restrictions on media access in Iran.
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