Iranian ex-pats flock to CPAC, cheer Reza Pahlavi vowing to 'Make Iran Great Again'

Members of the Iranian community flocked to CPAC in Dallas on Saturday to hear Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi speak about the plight of his home nation, and to show support for President Trump and Operation Epic Fury, which has removed numerous top Islamic regime officials, including former Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His appearance on the mainstage was preceded by days of Iranian ex-pats and supporters advocating for Pahlavi and the altercation in Iran. 

Pahlavi received the most enthusiastic turnout by far during the event. The crowd erupted as Pahlavi took to the stage to a packed house, and began cheering "JAVID SHAH!" ("Long live the Shah"). 

"Can you imagine Iran going from 'Death to America,' to 'God bless America'?" Pahlavi asked. The crowd roared "USA! USA! USA!" In response. "I too can," Pahlavi continued, "because I have seen the true soul of my people." Pahlavi then described how following 9/11, the Iranian people risked their lives to hold candlelight vigils in Tehran "for a friend in pain."

"Unlike the regime that worships death and destruction, the Iranian people celebrate life and liberty," he said. He also pledged that "When Iran is free, America regains a great friend." Pahlavi has overwhelmingly emerged as the Iranian ex-pat community's top choice to lead the transition to a new democratic and free Iran, in order to prevent a power vacuum that could be exploited.

He said "I have accepted that call not to serve myself, but to serve my nation and my people."

As he spoke about leading the transition, the audience erupted with cheers and chants of "KING REZA PAHLAVI!"—a chant that in recent months has also echoed around the world at Iranian freedom rallies.

"What we ask of America now is simple: stay the course. Do not throw this troubling regime a lifeline. Pave the way for the Iranian people to finish the job."

"Iran's story is not yet finished. Great civilizations outlast even the most vicious occupiers. With your help, and with the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of Iran's greatest youth, our best latest chapter is being written right now. When it is done, a free an democratic Iran will stand alongside the United States as a partner, an ally, and a friend."

The crowd once again erupted as Pahlavi stated "President Trump is making America great again. I intend to make Iran great again."

Throughout CPAC, the Iranian diaspora's love for peace and America were on display as they broke out into chants "USA! USA!", and "THANK YOU TRUMP!" They also praised American troops, and honoured those who fell during Operation Epic Fury. During rallies held nearby that were organized by, American flags were proudly waved alongside Iranian Lion and Sun flags—the true flag of Iran.

Numerous Iranians stressed that they don't see the current conflict as the United States being at war with Iran, but instead Trump helping Iranians defeat the brutal Islamic regime which has held their nation hostage for 47 years. They emphasized that the fall of the regime will finally bring peace to the world.

Soheil Seyednia said "It is a rescue plan of Iranians from the Islamic Republic lunatic mullahs. And this is not for the sake of the people of Iran, but for the sake of peace all around the world. Imagine these lunatics have some nuke at hand, what they could do with it."