Khamenei's death marks 'beginning of end' for Iran: Ex-Crown Prince
What's the story
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has declared Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "erased from the face of history." He called this moment the beginning of the end for the Islamic Republic and urged Iranians to prepare for a decisive uprising. In a lengthy statement on X, Pahlavi described Khamenei as "the bloodthirsty despot of our time" and "the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran's bravest sons and daughters."
Succession warning
Successor will be complicit in crimes, warns Pahlavi
Pahlavi warned that any attempt by regime loyalists to appoint a successor would fail. He argued that no replacement would have "legitimacy nor longevity" and would remain "complicit in the crimes of this regime." Addressing Iran's military, law enforcement, and security forces directly, he said efforts to preserve what he called a collapsing regime would fail.
Military appeal
Time for decisive presence in streets is near: Pahlavi
Pahlavi urged Iran's military and security forces to join the nation in ensuring "Iran's stable transition to a free and prosperous future." He said Khamenei's death "may serve as a balm for the wounded hearts" of grieving families, though it does not avenge past bloodshed. "This may be the beginning of our great national celebration," Pahlavi said, adding that "the time for a widespread and decisive presence in the streets is very near."
Twitter Post
Ex-Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's post on Khamenei
My fellow compatriots,
— Reza Pahlavi (@PahlaviReza) February 28, 2026
Ali Khamenei, the bloodthirsty despot of our time, the murderer of tens of thousands of Iran’s bravest sons and daughters, has been erased from the face of history. With his death, the Islamic Republic has in effect reached its end and will very soon be… https://t.co/pm3ZXY9IYZ
Presidential statement
Trump claims Khamenei killed in US-Israel attack
Pahlavi's statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced on social media that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed in a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran. There was no immediate confirmation from Tehran regarding his status. Trump described the moment as "the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country," following an aerial bombardment targeting Iranian military and government sites.