Public Support by an Israeli Minister for Reza Pahlavi
WANA (Dec 17) – Recent remarks by Gila Gamliel, Israel’s Minister of Innovation, regarding Reza Pahlavi have sparked reactions in Iranian media and political circles, once again drawing attention to alleged links between certain Iranian opposition figures and Israeli officials.
Gamliel, who previously served as Israel’s Minister of Intelligence, posted a message on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) alongside a photo of herself with Reza Pahlavi—an Iran-based abroad political activist and the son of Iran’s last shah, who presents himself as a claimant to leadership of the monarchist movement.
In her post, she wrote that she “believes in a free Iran” and voiced support for what she described as “Reza Pahlavi’s crown prince status.” She also expressed hope that she would be present in “a free Tehran next year.”
Public Support by an Israeli Minister for Reza Pahlavi. Social media /WANA News Agency
The publication of such a message by an official Israeli figure is viewed by observers as a signal of Tel Aviv’s attempt to openly express political support for certain groups opposed to the Islamic Republic of Iran. This comes despite the fact that Reza Pahlavi, as an opposition figure living abroad, holds no official position within Iran’s political structure and lacks broad consensus or significant backing within Iran’s domestic political landscape.
Analysts argue that overt foreign support of this kind—particularly from Israel, which has deeply hostile relations with Iran—may provoke negative reactions among public opinion inside the country.
Such positions, they contend, highlight less a genuine social base or political influence than the growing disconnect between overseas opposition movements and realities on the ground inside Iran.
Reza Pahlavi Officially Declares Iran’s Monarchists as a Militant Organization
WANA (Oct 29) – Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, spoke at a meeting in Toronto, Canada, about forming “small insurgent cells” and called on his supporters to be “ready for the final battle.” Analysts say these remarks signal a clear shift among monarchists from political activity toward an armed, violence-oriented approach. […]
These statements come at a time when tensions between Iran and Israel have intensified in recent months. Just six months ago, the Israeli regime reportedly killed more than 1,000 people, including women and children, in an attack on Iran.
Against this backdrop, standing alongside Israel is widely perceived as standing against the Iranian people, calling into question claims of concern for the public or advocacy on their behalf by figures such as Reza Pahlavi.
