Reza Pahlavi: King Khalid airport attack shows Iran not seeking peace

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s late Shah and a prominent opposition figure, accused the Iranian regime of continuing to destabilize the region, saying the attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh is further evidence that Tehran is not seeking peace.

In a post on X, Pahlavi said the Iranian regime has waged war on Saudi Arabia since 1979, both directly and through groups it supports, and stressed that efforts to undermine stability in the Kingdom and the region persist.

Pahlavi offered condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people for the victims of the attack, describing it as “terrorist.”

He added that the Houthi campaign to destabilize the region would only end with Iran’s liberation and the restoration of friendly relations between the two countries.

Pahlavi’s comments come as part of his longstanding opposition to the Islamic Republic since its establishment in 1979. Living in exile, he has worked to rally support for regime change in Iran and called for a democratic system that allows Iranians to choose their political future.

Pahlavi is among the most prominent opposition figures abroad and has intensified his activities and statements in recent years, calling for an end to the Islamic Republic’s rule, drawing on domestic protests and his appeals for opposition unity.

His remarks on the Riyadh attack reflect his view that the future of Iran’s regime is closely tied to Tehran’s regional relations, arguing that ending interventionist policies and support for armed groups depends on regime change and rebuilding ties with neighboring countries.