Iran arrests 122 linked to Reza Pahlavi in plot to incite riots in Tehran

Tehran – Iranian authorities have announced the arrest of 122 individuals allegedly connected to a network tasked by exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi to instigate riots in the capital during the recent 12-day conflict.

According to Iranian state media, those detained were accused of coordinating “acts of sabotage and unrest” across Tehran, with officials now charging Pahlavi in absentia with terrorism and leadership of a destabilisation campaign.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, has been living in exile for decades and remains one of the most prominent opposition voices abroad. While Tehran frequently blames foreign-based dissidents for unrest inside the country, this marks the most direct terrorism-related charge leveled against Pahlavi to date.

The Iranian government claims the network sought to exploit the 12-day war to trigger widespread protests and weaken state authority. No immediate response has yet been issued by Pahlavi or his representatives.

This development could further escalate tensions between Tehran and the Iranian opposition movement abroad, as well as with Western governments that have hosted exiled figures.