Former Empress of Iran calls on military to support nationwide protests

Farah Pahlavi, the former Shahbanou (Empress) of Iran and widow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown in 1979, has publicly urged members of the Iranian military to join the ongoing protests sweeping the country.

She made the appeal on the social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports.

Soon you will celebrate freedom together in Iran

My dear compatriots,
Your courage, patriotism and self sacrifice in these days have earned the respect of people around the world and millions across different countries have declared their support for you. I know that those who… pic.twitter.com/1PyECyVoDp

— FARAH PAHLAVI - فرح پهلوی (@ShahbanouFarah) January 13, 2026

“Soon you will celebrate freedom together in Iran

My dear compatriots,

Your courage, patriotism and self-sacrifice in these days have earned the respect of people around the world and millions across different countries have declared their support for you. I know that those who thrive on darkness, out of fear of hearing your voice, have cut off your channels of communication with the outside world. Your message is louder than anything that can be silenced by such actions. I firmly believe that the epic scenes of your protests will sooner or later break through the wall of censorship and the true dimensions of what you have done in these days will inspire even greater astonishment and admiration worldwide.

The images that have reached the outside world in recent hours amid the blackout of communication tools of the killing of innocent protesters in Iran have broken my heart as a mother. Each child of this nation whose blood is shed revives for me the unbearable grief of losing my own children. I wish patience and strength for the mothers and fathers of Iran and consider myself united with them in mourning. I also extend my heartfelt condolences to all compatriots who have lost their loved ones in this national uprising and I wish health and recovery for the wounded and injured during these days.

At this critical juncture in Iran’s history, once again to the armed forces of Iran remember that the survival of no government and the preservation of no interest can justify the shedding of your compatriots blood. Hear the cry of anger and the roar of the protesters. Before it is too late, join your brothers and sisters and do not tie your fate to that of the killers. The free Iran of tomorrow belongs to your children as well, by spilling the blood of your compatriots, do not destroy your own future and that of your families. Know that the story of these days in our Iran will be recorded forever in the pages of history and disgrace will remain for those whose bullets tore through the chests of their compatriot brothers and sisters.

And in closing: my children, hold on to hope. Be strong and believe that soon you will celebrate freedom together in Iran and that light will prevail over darkness," the post by the former Empress reads.

By Vafa Guliyeva