Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi Calls for Protests, Kurdish Parties Urge General Strike Amidst Iran Unrest

Calls for Coordinated Action in Iran

Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi has issued his first public call for protests since the latest wave of nationwide unrest began in Iran, urging citizens to engage in coordinated chanting. This appeal comes as seven Iranian Kurdish opposition parties have separately called for a general strike on Thursday, January 8, to support the ongoing demonstrations and protest the Islamic Republic's actions in Kurdish-majority provinces. Pahlavi's call specifies simultaneous chanting at 8:00 p.m. on both Thursday, January 8, and Friday, January 9, whether in public spaces or from homes.

Exiled Prince Urges Public Participation

In a video message addressed to the Iranian people, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last monarch, stated he has closely monitored demonstrations over the past week. He highlighted protests in Tehran's bazaars as a sign of growing resistance against what he described as the Islamic Republic's violent crackdown. Pahlavi emphasized the critical importance of 'discipline and mass participation,' noting that large gatherings have, in some instances, forced security forces to retreat and led to increased defections. He has positioned himself as a unifying figure for Iran's diverse democratic forces, advocating for a secular democracy and a referendum to determine the country's future form of government.

Kurdish Opposition Calls for General Strike

Separately, a joint statement from seven Iranian Kurdish opposition parties has urged a general strike on Thursday, January 8. The strike is intended to support nationwide protests and condemn the Islamic Republic's policies in the Kurdish-majority provinces of Kermanshah, Ilam, and Lorestan. The parties denounced the crackdown on demonstrations and the detention of protesters, calling on political parties and civil organizations across Iran to adopt a 'united and collective stance' by joining the strike. The signatories include:

• Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran
• Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan
• Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK)
• Komala
• Kurdistan Organization of the Communist Party of Iran
• Revolutionary Komala of Toilers of Iranian Kurdistan
• Kurdistan Organization of Khabat

This coordinated action aims to make Thursday a focal point for protest and labor action across the country.

Widespread Unrest and Economic Grievances

These calls for action emerge amidst a period of significant unrest in Iran, which has seen protests spread across numerous cities and provinces. The demonstrations were initially triggered by widespread dissatisfaction over economic hardship, including the sharp depreciation of the Iranian rial, soaring inflation, and the rising cost of living. Protests began with merchants in Tehran's Grand Bazaar and quickly expanded, drawing in students and other segments of society. Human rights groups have reported dozens of deaths and hundreds of arrests since the protests began. The current wave of unrest is considered the most serious since the 2022-2023 nationwide rallies sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.