Reza Pahlavi’s Political Trajectory Faces Scrutiny Over Far-Right Influences

4 min readOct 4, 2024

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Iranian crown prince and a prominent opposition figure, has long been seen as a potential unifying force for Iranians seeking to overthrow the Islamic Republic. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the influence of far-right nationalist advisors within his inner circle, complicating his public commitment to democracy and inclusivity.

Among the most controversial of these advisors is Parviz Sabeti, a former high-ranking official in SAVAK, the secret police under the reign of Pahlavi’s father, Mohammad Reza Shah. SAVAK, notorious for its brutal methods of surveillance and torture, has left a dark legacy in Iran. Sabeti’s return to Pahlavi’s camp has sparked unease among both moderates and reformists, who view his presence as evidence of a growing authoritarian streak within Pahlavi’s orbit. Sabeti’s ties to far-right circles in the U.S. have further fueled accusations that Pahlavi’s movement is shifting away from democratic ideals.

Pahlavi has consistently expressed his support for a secular, democratic Iran, but the actions and rhetoric of some of his closest advisors have suggested otherwise. Nationalist and exclusionary policies promoted by figures like Sabeti have alienated key segments of the opposition, particularly leftist and reformist groups. As a result, prominent figures within the Iranian diaspora, such as Hamed Esmaeilion and Masih Alinejad, have distanced themselves from Pahlavi, citing the divisive environment these advisors have fostered.

The growing nationalist influence has also affected Pahlavi’s political strategy. His decision to withdraw from coalitions that aimed to present a united front against the Iranian regime — often under pressure from his ultra-nationalist advisors — has deepened fractures within the opposition. Many of his supporters reject cooperation with factions on the left or those with reformist leanings, further limiting the potential for a broad-based opposition movement capable of challenging the Islamic Republic.

These internal divisions have not only weakened Pahlavi’s standing as a unifying figure but have also raised doubts about his ability to lead the opposition in a cohesive and democratic manner. The ongoing influence of far-right advisors like Sabeti continues to undermine his credibility among more moderate and progressive elements of the Iranian diaspora, complicating efforts to build a unified challenge to the current regime.

As the opposition remains divided and disjointed, questions are increasingly being asked about Pahlavi’s leadership and the future direction of the movement he spearheads. While his name recognition and political heritage still resonate with many Iranians, the influence of authoritarian figures within his camp could erode the broader support he once enjoyed.

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