Approximately 200,000 people gathered on February 14 (local time) near the venue of the Munich Security Conference to protest Iran's regime. [Reuters Yonhap News]

Reza Pahlavi (66), the last crown prince of Iran's royal Pahlavi dynasty, claimed on February 14 (local time) that he needed the help of U.S. President Donald Trump to overthrow Iran's Islamic theocratic regime.

According to AFP and AP news agencies, Pahlavi held a press conference at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) venue and stated, "It is time to end the Islamic Republic," adding, "The demand of my compatriots is not to fix the regime, but to completely bring it down."

Reza Pahlavi urged, "The Iranian people have heard President Trump say he would help, and they believe you. Please help them."

He described the day as a "Global Day of Action" and appealed for citizens in Munich, Germany; Los Angeles, USA; and Toronto, Canada, to take to the streets in support of Iranians. He also proposed that on this day and the following day, February 15, at 8 PM, people should chant slogans condemning the Iranian government from their homes or rooftops.

Reza Pahlavi pointed out, "If democratic countries remain onlookers, there is a high possibility of more deaths in Iran. This would send a clear signal to the thugs that they can maintain power by killing enough people."

According to German police, approximately 200,000 people gathered at a protest denouncing Iran's regime held at Theresienwiese Square in Munich, 3 kilometers from the MSC venue.

They waved the old flag symbolizing the Pahlavi monarchy, which was ousted in the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution, alongside the U.S. and German flags.

Reza Pahlavi holding a press conference at the Munich Security Conference on February 14 (local time). [AP=Yonhap News]

Large placards with Reza Pahlavi's face and the slogan "Make Iran Great Again" (MIGA), modeled after President Trump's catchphrase "Make America Great Again" (MAGA), also appeared.

Protesters chanted slogans such as "Change and Regime Change" and "Pahlavi dynasty for Iran, democracy for Iran."

Reza Pahlavi, who has been in exile in the United States since 1979, has indicated his intention to take power if the theocratic regime is overthrown, stating his intention to return to Iran during the current anti-government protests.

However, opinions are divided within Iran regarding whether he can be an alternative to the theocratic regime, given that he is the successor to the Pahlavi dynasty, which was expelled by the Iranian people due to corruption and dictatorship. In 2023, he also drew controversy for advocating for improved relations with Iran's arch-rival, Israel.

Although there were reports last month that former U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace under the Trump administration, Steve Wicoff, met with Reza Pahlavi, President Trump has maintained some distance.

The previous day, President Trump responded to reporters' questions at the White House about whether he desired regime change in Iran by saying, "That might be the best thing that could happen." When asked who he would want to see take over the government, he avoided a direct answer, saying only, "There are people."

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