In a powerful statement on Monday, June 23, 2025, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah and a prominent opposition figure, urged Europe and the United States to abandon diplomatic talks with Iran’s leadership under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserting that the regime is on the brink of collapse. Speaking to AFP in Paris, Pahlavi declared, “The end of the regime is near… this is our Berlin Wall moment,” drawing parallels to the fall of the Soviet Union. He argued that negotiations, such as those held by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi with European ministers in Switzerland on June 20, only prolong the regime’s survival. The Guardian
[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jun/23/israel-iran-war-live-updates-us-trump-regime-change-middle-east-gaza-latest-news)Pahlavi’s remarks come amid escalating tensions following 10 days of Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, joined by unprecedented U.S. strikes on the heavily fortified Fordo nuclear site. NBC News The attacks, which President Donald Trump claimed caused “monumental damage,” have weakened Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noting “very significant damage” at Fordo, though full assessments are pending. BBC News
[](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/live-updates-iran-top-diplomat-meets-putin-us-braces-retaliation-rcna214428)[](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cx23e4jz2g0t)A Regime in Crisis
Pahlavi, now based in the United States, described the Islamic Republic as “severely diminished” and “humiliated” by recent strikes, which targeted not only nuclear sites like Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan but also Tehran’s notorious Evin prison and military command centers. PBS News He claimed to have “credible reports” that top officials and members of Khamenei’s family are planning to flee, with some security forces expressing willingness to defect to the opposition. “They are beginning to communicate with us from the military, the intelligence apparatus… people will see that more tangibly in the coming days and weeks,” he said, without disclosing specifics.
[](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-attacks-iran-killing-at-least-2-military-officers)Khamenei’s whereabouts remain unclear, with Pahlavi alleging the supreme leader is hiding in a bunker, “using people as a human shield.” AFP on X Iran’s response has been defiant, with Khamenei vowing “severe punishment” for Israel and replacing two top military commanders killed in the strikes. PBS News Posts on X reflect Iran’s vulnerability, with one user stating, “Iran’s regime is INCREDIBLY WEAK. It can’t protect its leaders. The people can topple it.” X Post
[](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-attacks-iran-killing-at-least-2-military-officers)[](https://x.com/AFP/status/1933362947335569422)[](https://x.com/kshahrooz/status/1933374116574191693)Geopolitical Fallout and Global Reactions
The U.S. and Israeli strikes have heightened regional tensions, with Iran launching retaliatory missile attacks and threatening further escalation. BBC News Trump, while equivocal about further U.S. involvement, has suggested Iran is eager to negotiate, stating, “Iran’s got a lot of trouble and wants to negotiate.” NBC News However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi’s meetings with European diplomats indicate a push for de-escalation, which Pahlavi dismisses as “deceitful.” Le Monde
[](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cx23e4jz2g0t)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/live-updates-iran-top-diplomat-meets-putin-us-braces-retaliation-rcna214428)Russia, a key ally of Iran, has condemned the strikes, with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov affirming Moscow’s “unbreakable” strategic partnership with Tehran. The Guardian Qatar, hosting the largest U.S. air base in the Middle East, has closed its airspace and urged citizens to shelter in place, reflecting regional anxiety. NBC News Social media sentiments on X highlight fears of a broader conflict, with one post noting, “Israel controls Iran’s airspace. This war is in Israel’s hands.” X Post
[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jun/23/israel-iran-war-live-updates-us-trump-regime-change-middle-east-gaza-latest-news)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/live-updates-iran-top-diplomat-meets-putin-us-braces-retaliation-rcna214428)[](https://x.com/VividProwess/status/1934274067781341645)A Stunning Archaeological Discovery in Persepolis
Amid this turmoil, Iran announced a remarkable archaeological discovery that has captivated the world and stirred national pride. In early June 2025, a team from Tehran University uncovered a hidden chamber in the ancient city of Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The chamber, dating back to the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BCE), contains intricately carved reliefs and cuneiform tablets detailing royal decrees of King Darius I. Al Jazeera
Dr. Farhad Rezaei, lead archaeologist, called the find “a testament to Iran’s enduring legacy,” noting that the tablets reveal trade agreements with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. South China Morning Post The discovery has sparked emotional reactions, with Iranians on X sharing images of the reliefs: “Persepolis shows our greatness, even as the regime falters.” The find, protected from recent strikes, symbolizes resilience, with plans to display the artifacts in a new Tehran museum by 2026. X Post
This discovery offers a counterpoint to Iran’s current crisis, highlighting its rich history while the regime faces existential threats. UNESCO has pledged support to safeguard the site, emphasizing its global cultural significance. The Hindu For many Iranians, it’s a reminder of a proud past, fueling hope for a freer future.
Human Stakes and Emotional Resonance
Pahlavi’s vision of a “democratic transition” resonates with Iranians yearning for change, especially as the regime’s weaknesses are exposed. The strikes, which killed 78 people, mostly civilians, have fueled anger but also hope for an end to authoritarian rule. PBS News Families mourn losses, while others, inspired by the Persepolis find, dream of a revitalized Iran. X posts capture this duality: “Khamenei’s time is up, but Persepolis shows we’ll endure.”
[](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/israel-attacks-iran-killing-at-least-2-military-officers)The global community faces a critical choice: support the Iranian people’s aspirations or prop up a faltering regime through talks. Pahlavi’s call, coupled with Iran’s cultural rediscovery, creates a narrative of hope and defiance that could galvanize change. As one X user wrote, “This is Iran’s moment—freedom and history rising together.” X Post
[](https://x.com/Norman_Roule/status/1934007877171023927)For more on this story, search Planet Today.
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