Reza Pahlavi Urges U.S. and Israel to Spare Iranian Civilian Infrastructure Amid Escalating Strikes

On March 22, 2026, Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi issued a formal statement regarding the ongoing military escalations in the Middle East.

The message arrives during a period of heightened tension following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the transition of power to his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

In recent weeks, the United States and Israel have intensified bombing campaigns across the region.

President Donald Trump has specifically threatened to target Iran's power plants and energy infrastructure if the regime attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that these military operations are designed to facilitate an environment where the Iranian public can seek a change in government.

Pahlavi’s recent communication attempts to provide a strategic framework for these foreign interventions.

Pahlavi proposed a "red line" that differentiates between civilian infrastructure and the resources of the current administration.

He argues that facilities such as water systems, bridges, and telecommunications networks belong to the nation rather than the regime.

According to Pahlavi, preserving these assets is essential for the future recovery of a post-regime Iran.

He expressed concern that destroying national infrastructure would cause long-term harm to the civilian population.

However, the statement explicitly supports continued strikes against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and various security headquarters.

Pahlavi identified these locations as the "machinery of repression" used to maintain control over the country.

The situation is further complicated by reports that the regime has positioned military assets within civilian areas.

Pahlavi and other opposition figures have alleged that equipment is being stored beneath schools and medical clinics.

This practice of using human shields presents a complex tactical challenge for military forces attempting to minimize collateral damage.

The request to spare civilian infrastructure highlights the tension between military necessity and humanitarian preservation.

As the conflict enters this new phase, the international community continues to monitor the impact of these strikes on both the regime and the Iranian populace.

The strategic choices made now will likely dictate the region's trajectory for the coming years.