Exiled prince: Iran needs new constitution, free elections

In an op-ed for The Washington Post on February 28, 2026, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled eldest son of Iran's last Shah, welcomed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike (Operation Epic Fury) and framed it as a pivotal moment for Iran's liberation and transition to democracy.

"Our path forward is a new constitution followed by free elections under international oversight," he said.

In an article published by *The Washington Post*, Pahlavi said that for nearly half a century Iran had “undermined the sovereignty of neighboring states, fueled conflicts around the world, and pursued nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them — long-range ballistic missiles.”

He said the regime’s most “heinous crimes” were committed at home, including the killing of thousands of protesters during crackdowns on demonstrations in January.

Pahlavi argued that Iran’s future path should include drafting a new constitution, approving it through a nationwide referendum, and then holding free elections under “international supervision.”

“History rarely announces its turning points in advance. But moments do come when courage, leadership, and solidarity can change the course of nations,” he wrote.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, was killed on February 28, 2026, during a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike operation targeting his office/compound in Tehran. His death was first announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on Truth Social, describing it as "justice" and part of efforts toward regime change and regional peace. Iranian state media confirmed the killing early on March 1, 2026, framing it as martyrdom while declaring 40 days of national mourning and seven public holidays.

By Khagan Isayev