When protesters flood Iran's streets demanding freedom, who benefits from convincing the world they're chanting for a new Shah? As a fourth major uprising erupts across the country, a familiar deception is underway—one where the clerical regime and its supposed nemesis, Reza Pahlavi, share a common interest: erasing the democratic alternative from the narrative.
Protests began last weekend when shopkeepers and bazaar merchants launched an impromptu strike against an economic crisis that pushed inflation above 42 percent. Within days, demonstrations spread to universities and dozens of cities, with protesters explicitly calling for regime change.
We've seen this before. Just over three years ago, the killing of Mahsa Amini by morality police sparked what many called the greatest challenge to the Islamic Republic since 1979. That uprising, like those in January 2018 and November 2019, featured one unmistakable slogan: "Death to the dictator, whether Shah or Supreme Leader."
This isn't ambiguity. It's a clear rejection of both forms of tyranny.
So why are international outlets now reporting that protesters are chanting in favor of Reza Pahlavi, the would-be heir to the deposed monarchy?
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