In a significant escalation of the ongoing anti-government movement, Iran’s exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has issued a fresh call for a nationwide general strike. Pahlavi urged citizens to return to the streets this weekend at 6:00 PM, signaling a potential turning point in the intensified protests currently rocking the Islamic Republic.
Crippling the Economy: A Call for Energy and Oil Strikes
The exiled leader emphasized that the only way to weaken the current regime’s “repression apparatus” is through collective economic action. He specifically called on workers in the most vital sectors of the Iranian economy to halt operations:
- Energy & Power: Total shutdown of electricity and utility maintenance.
- Oil & Gas: Striking in the petroleum sector, which is the regime’s primary revenue source.
- Transport: Halting logistics and public movement to freeze commerce.
Pahlavi stated that these strikes aim to bring the “worn-out and fragile” government to its knees by cutting off its financial and operational lifelines.
Protests Set for 6 PM Weekend Start
Building on his previous appeals—which have historically catalyzed large-scale demonstrations—Pahlavi asked Iranians across all cities to gather at 6:00 PM over the weekend. The “6 PM” window has become a symbolic time for coordinated agitation, making it difficult for security forces to manage multiple hotspots simultaneously.
Hints of a Homecoming?
Beyond the call for agitation, the exiled prince has dropped hints regarding a potential return to his homeland. While he remains in exile, his increased involvement in coordinating street-level strategy suggests a belief that the “rebellion” is entering a final, more decisive stage.
Context: Why This Matters Now
The Iranian government is currently facing some of its most sustained domestic pressure in decades. High inflation, social restrictions, and political isolation have fueled a fire that Pahlavi is now attempting to channel into a structured, nationwide shutdown.
Trade analysts and geopolitical experts suggest that if the oil and gas sectors actually join the strike, the Iranian economy could face a catastrophic collapse within weeks, leaving the administration with very few options.
Author Note: This report covers ongoing international political developments. Information is based on official statements from the office of Reza Pahlavi and ground reports from the Iran unrest movement.