Reza Pahlavi issued a statement saying Ali Khamenei died, calling the event the end of the Islamic Republic and calling on Iranians, including security forces, to support a transition to a new government.
He stated that any attempt to appoint a successor is doomed to fail and described the news as an occasion to honor the families of those killed under the regime.
“My dear compatriots,
Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty Zahhak of our time, the killer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the pages of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in fact come to an end and will soon be delivered to the basket of history.
Any attempt by the regime's remains to appoint a successor to Khamenei is doomed to failure from the start. Whoever is placed in his place will have neither legitimacy nor the possibility of survival; and he will no doubt also be complicit in the crimes of this regime.
To the armed, security and police forces: every effort to support a regime in collapse is destined for defeat. This is your last chance to join the people; to help ensure a stable transition of Iran to a free and prosperous future; and to have a role in building that future.
The death of the criminal Khamenei, while not being able to return the blood shed, can represent a balm for the hearts burned by the pain of the mourning families; of the fathers and mothers, spouses and children; and of the families of the disinterested martyrs of the National Revolution of the Lion and the Sun of Iran.
Noble and courageous people of Iran,
This marks the beginning of our great national celebration; but it is not the end of the journey. Stay vigilant and prepared. The time of a massive and decisive presence in the streets is very close. Together, united and firm, we will conquer the final victory and celebrate the freedom of Iran throughout our homeland created by Ahura.
Long live Iran,
Reza Pahlavi”