Farah Pahlavi says Iran’s future depends on its people’s unity for a peaceful transition, not just the death of its supreme leader.

PARIS: The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is significant but will not cause the Islamic Republic’s automatic collapse, according to the exiled widow of Iran’s last shah.

Farah Pahlavi stated that the system’s fate hinges on the Iranian people’s ability to unite for a peaceful transition.

“What will be decisive,” said the 87-year-old, was “the ability of the Iranian people to unite around a peaceful, orderly and sovereign transition to a state governed by the rule of law”.

She added that her son, Reza Pahlavi, is preparing for such a transition.

Pahlavi has lived in Paris since the 1979 revolution that ousted her husband.

She urged the international community to support Iranians’ fundamental rights to choose their leaders and live freely.

“The support must go to the people, not to geopolitical calculations,” she emphasised.

Pahlavi also called on Iranian authorities to avoid bloodshed and show restraint.

This follows violent unrest in Tehran earlier this year which resulted in significant casualties according to rights groups.

Reza Pahlavi has positioned himself as a potential alternative leader should the current system fall.

In a recent social media post, he called for national unity among Iran’s ethnic groups.

He appeared to urge them not to use the ongoing conflict to seek separation.

 The Sun Malaysia