Prince Reza Pahlavi at Dutch Parliament: Opposition Figure Discusses the Future of Amid Political Uncertainty

The Legacy of Iran’s Last Shah and the Pahlavi Dynasty

Understanding Reza Pahlavi’s political role requires examining the history of the Pahlavi dynasty.

The Pahlavi dynasty ruled Iran from 1925 until the 1979 Islamic Revolution. During this period, Iran experienced significant modernization, including industrial development, expansion of education, infrastructure projects, and social reforms.

Under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran became a major regional power and a close ally of Western countries. The monarchy promoted economic development through policies such as the White Revolution, a series of reforms introduced during the 1960s.

However, the Shah’s government was also criticized for political repression, restrictions on opposition groups, and the activities of the intelligence organization SAVAK. These issues contributed to growing dissatisfaction among different segments of Iranian society.

The 1979 revolution resulted in the collapse of the monarchy and the creation of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

July 12, 2026 | 5:40 pm