Pahlavi Aide Says U.S. Missed a Chance to Help Topple Iran's Regime

Cameron Khosravi Neia, chief of staff and adviser to Reza Pahlavi, sharply criticized the United States and Europe in a new interview with N12, saying they missed an opportunity to help Iranian citizens free their country. He said the atmosphere in Iran reflects deep disappointment with the West and with the emerging agreement associated with Donald Trump.

Khosravi Neia claimed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was close to collapse and that U.S. and other countries stopped a military move in early April just when the regime was weakening. “They could not believe their luck when the U.S. stopped the military move,” he said. He added that there is despair among Iranians because Washington did not “go all the way” and exploit the regime’s vulnerability.

He also accused European governments, including Germany, Britain and France, of failing to act despite talks with Pahlavi. In his view, Europe talks about values and human rights but “disappeared” when it came to Iran. He said he expected Europeans to insist on the release of political prisoners, an end to executions and prevention of internet shutdowns, but they did not do their job. He also said Iran’s economy is now worse than it was before the protest movement began, and that any economic relief from a deal would mainly benefit the Revolutionary Guard.

Pahlavi’s circle, he said, feels “a shared fate with Israel” regarding the developing deal. The opposition is now watching July 4, the date of the funeral for the father of Mojtaba Khamenei, as a possible test of power. “Mojtaba’s test will be during the funeral days,” Khosravi Neia said, adding that they are watching whether he leads the procession and that Pahlavi’s camp still expects Iranians to return to the streets, even if it is only a matter of time.