Iran’s Exiled Crown Prince Urges UK Support for US Military Action

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran and a prominent opposition figure, has called on the United Kingdom to support potential US military intervention in Iran. This appeal comes amid rising tensions and reports that UK Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, is preventing the United States from using UK military bases for any attacks against Iran.

Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, emphasized the urgency of the situation during an interview with Metro, stating that many Iranians support military action as the US continues to deploy significant naval and air forces in the Middle East. Starmer has reportedly declined requests to allow US aircraft to operate from bases like Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford.

The crown prince also urged the UK government to classify the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, particularly in light of ongoing crackdowns on protesters in Iran. Pahlavi claims that the Iranian regime has killed approximately 40,000 protesters during recent unrest. He noted, “The killing has not stopped. Protests continue and they are expanding.”

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), over 6,000 deaths have been documented, with an additional 17,000 still being verified. The unrest began escalating in January, reflecting widespread discontent with the clerical regime.

The US and Iran’s relationship has deteriorated sharply, particularly during nuclear negotiations. Former President Donald Trump has threatened military action to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. While talks are set to continue in Geneva, Trump expressed frustration over the lack of commitment from Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

In response to Pahlavi’s request, Conservative Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge has voiced support for granting the US access to UK bases should military action become necessary. He stated, “If the US judges that further action is needed to deal with that specific threat, we should grant the use of our bases if required, including RAF bases in the UK and Diego Garcia.”

Activists in the UK have rallied behind Pahlavi’s call for intervention, with Ellie Borhan, founder of the Stage of Freedom activist group, urging democratic nations to support the Iranian people’s fight for freedom. She remarked, “The Islamic Republic is not only a threat to the Iranian people, but also to regional stability and the safety of the UK and British citizens.”

While Trump has highlighted the potential role of UK bases in any military action against Iran, the UK government has refrained from commenting on operational matters. A government spokesperson reiterated the UK’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities, emphasizing regional security as a priority.

Pahlavi has also called for the UK to take stronger action against the Iranian regime, including seizing assets of Iranian elites who transfer their wealth to London. Despite calls for the IRGC to be designated as a terrorist organization, Sir Keir Starmer has yet to take any action in this regard, even as the European Union has included the group on its terrorist list.

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests in Iran and the potential for military escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.