Iran’s exiled prince voices support for bigger "crusade" against Tehran In call with Russian pranksters

A video recording published by Russian pranksters Alexei Stolyarov (Lexus) and Vladimir Kuznetsov (Vovan) purports to show Iran’s exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi calling on European countries to join what he described as a “crusade” against the Islamic Republic.

The video of the conversation was released on the pranksters’ Telegram channel. In the recording, Pahlavi — the eldest son of Iran’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi — is heard discussing the possibility of broader international involvement in military action against Iran.

According to a statement accompanying the recording, the pranksters posed as advisers to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. One of them allegedly introduced himself as “Adolf” and claimed that Germany was prepared to take a hard line against Tehran.

In the published excerpt, Pahlavi is heard responding positively to the suggestion of wider participation in action against Iran.

“Not only Israelis and Americans should participate, more people should join this crusade. And I am glad that Germany is taking such a tough stance,” he is quoted as saying in the recording.

Pahlavi also outlined his vision for Iran’s future leadership in the event of regime change.

“As soon as the regime finally collapses, we are ready to fill the vacuum that has formed,” he said in the conversation.

By Sabina Mammadli