Prince Reza Pahlavi's extended 60 Minutes interview

Pahlavi frames the Ayatollah's death as an "earthshattering event" that creates "elation" and a "chance" for liberation, likening it to a "D-Day" for Iran. He asserts the regime was "bound to collapse" regardless of external intervention, but this event accelerates it.

What does the death of the Ayatollah mean? It is definitely a a sort of earthshattering event... when he's gone... it's like elation... This is our chance now. It gives the Iranian people a real opportunity. Now when they see the end of this regime that is was always bound to collapse...

Pahlavi proposes a "maximum defection" campaign to encourage members of the IRGC and other security forces to abandon the regime. He argues that lower ranks are not ideologically committed and face economic hardship, and he offers an "exit strategy" of amnesty for those not implicated in crimes.

Don't assume that are all on the same basis. Look, the very top echelon of the IRGC may be... having vested interest... But understand that the core of these elements that are from certain ranks and below are not participating... some of them have to work secondary jobs... How long do you think ideologically they'll be committed...? Anyone whether civilian or part of the military paramilitary infrastructure that don't have the blood of the people on their hand should be able to survive and will survive regime change. Let them be part of the solution. I've launched this campaign in recent months of maximum defection...

While advocating for justice for victims of the regime, Pahlavi suggests a pragmatic approach involving "transitional justice" and "truth and reconciliation" models (like South Africa) where amnesty may be "necessary" in some cases to smooth the transition and maximize national reconciliation.

Those who are responsible for these crimes will have to have their day in court. But our legal experts are now studying various methods and models... We're looking at transitional justice. We're looking at truth and reconciliation. What happened in South Africa... in some cases amnesty may be necessary.

Pahlavi outlines four core principles: territorial integrity, clear separation of religion from state, equality of all citizens under the law, and a democratic process for choosing governance. His long-term vision includes a return to progress and modernity, strengthened democratic institutions, and a "checks and balance system."

Number one is Iran's territorial integrity. Number two is the clear separation of religion from state... Number three is of course equality of all citizens under the law and individual liberties and most importantly the process a democratic process to allow the people to elect and decide what their future system of governance should be. my vision of tomorrow is an Iran that obviously gets back on the path of progress and modernity... a true checks and balance system. That means a strong civil society.

Pahlavi has assembled experts for an "Iran Prosperity Project" with short-term (100 days), mid-term (6 months-2 years), and long-term phases to address infrastructure, health, education, and environmental issues. He positions Iran as "the most attractive untapped area to invest in," highlighting tourism as a potential economic backbone.

I gathered a number of our best experts to work on a project that we call Iran prosperity project and that project has three phases. One is short-term the first 100 days... the midterm... and then long-term. How can we in fact have a strategy that addresses every area of need... Iran is a country that can be first of all the most attractive untapped area to to invest in. Just imagine on the scale of bringing Iran on par to be the most coveted tourist destination. Forget about oil and gas. Just that industry alone could be the backbone of our economy.

Pahlavi pledges that a liberated Iran would "totally dismantle" its nuclear weapons program, arguing it is not in Iran's best interest and creates regional instability. He emphasizes this is crucial for regaining international trust and lifting economic sanctions, directly benefiting the Iranian people.

I think it should be totally dismantled. I don't think Iran has any need to pursue a military weaponizing of the nuclear program. I would tell you that part of our IP project explains the reason why we should have an immediate stoppage and dismantlement of it... If you want to be able to immediately bring back the country on par, if you want to be able to immediately have relief from all the economic sanctions... I think one of the ask and one of the expectation is well what about that part...

Pahlavi explicitly states he is not seeking to be king or president but rather a transitional leader, a "bridge" to a secular democracy where people can freely choose their leaders. He sees himself as a "father of the nation," unifying and reconciling the country.

I'm not running for office because that's not what I'm doing, but to be a bridge to that destiny. My only mission in life is to see the day that the people of Iran will have an opportunity by means of free and fair elections to decide their own future and choose their future leaders. I really feel more like being a father of the nation more than being at the helm of governance. Gen Z... call me father and that's the best title you can hope for. You don't need to have a crown or your head or an official title.

Pahlavi argues that a free Iran would be a friend to America, unlike the current regime, and would stabilize the region, reducing the need for US military deployment. He estimates a trillion-dollar revenue for the American economy from the Iranian market in the first 10-15 years post-liberation.

What it is for America is a nation that unlike this regime would love to be friends to America and its allies. we will stabilize the area so the American taxpayer doesn't have to worry about funding long campaigns or committing their troops on foreign soil. For 50 years, America has been deprived of the Iranian market. The Iranian market alone stands to be directly impacting the American economy by creating perhaps in the first 10 to 15 years over a trillion dollars revenue for America.