Reza Pahlavi, exiled son of Iran’s last shah, called for sustained US military action to topple Tehran’s clerical regime at a major conservative conference in Texas.

DALLAS: The exiled son of Iran’s last shah, Reza Pahlavi, received a thunderous ovation from US conservatives on Saturday. He urged Washington to press its military campaign against Tehran to its conclusion.

Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, Pahlavi framed the conflict as a historic chance to overthrow Iran’s clerical leadership. He drew cheers by envisioning Iran transformed from a US adversary into an ally.

“Can you imagine Iran going from ‘death to America’ to ‘God Bless America?’” he asked the packed hall. His question prompted one of several standing ovations.

Pahlavi, 65, has lived in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled his father’s US-backed monarchy. He has long positioned himself as a figure for Iran’s fragmented opposition.

On Saturday, he told supporters he was ready to lead a democratic transition. “President Trump is making America great again. I intend to make Iran great again,” he said to prolonged applause.

His warm reception highlighted how parts of the conservative movement have rallied behind President Donald Trump’s military campaign. This marks a shift from the movement’s typical “America First” instinct to avoid foreign entanglements.

The US and Israel launched a sweeping air campaign against Iran on February 28. The strikes killed supreme leader Ali Khamenei and many senior officials while targeting military infrastructure.

Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the region. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets and stoked fears of a wider war.

Pahlavi urged the United States to “stay the course” and “pave the way for the Iranian people to finish the job”. He argued only the complete collapse of the Islamic republic could bring lasting stability.

“This regime in its entirety must go,” he declared.

His message aligned with the most hawkish voices in Trump’s coalition. They argue sustained pressure could trigger an internal uprising.

“Iran’s story is not yet finished,” Pahlavi said. “Great civilizations outlast even the most vicious occupiers.”

Trump himself skipped CPAC for the first time in a decade. Officials cited his busy schedule amid the ongoing war.

 The Sun Malaysia