Nournews: The publication of several recent media and research reports has revealed one of the most sophisticated Israeli media and cyber operations in support of Reza Pahlavi. Investigations by Haaretz and Citizen Lab indicate that, in recent years, Israeli security agencies have actively supported this political figure as an alternative option in the alleged “regime change” project in Iran and invested resources to realize it.

These efforts, mainly carried out via cyber campaigns and fake Persian-language social media accounts, were specifically designed to promote monarchism and the return of the Pahlavi regime among certain Iranian expatriates. What is evident from these reports is that Israeli policymakers in the “regime change in Iran” project, particularly after the start of the 12-day war, sought to shape the digital space so that Iranian audiences would believe that Reza Pahlavi had a broad and influential base in the country and that conditions were fully prepared for him to assume power socially.

Simulated Support or the Illusion of Popular Influence

Reza Pahlavi, who left Iran following the 1979 revolution and the fall of the monarchy, has in recent years tried to position himself as the main opposition figure, portraying himself as a pro-democracy fighter against the Islamic Republic. In this endeavor, multiple media outlets have supported him, highlighting his persona to create a halo effect and shape perception among Iranian audiences. Despite significant media investment, the reality is that the vast majority of Iranians, especially inside the country, have not shown positive perception or tangible trust toward him.

Nevertheless, Israel, particularly the Mossad, has used him as a key figure to pursue the goal of “regime change” in Iran. After Reza Pahlavi’s official visit to Israel in early 2023—during which some Israeli officials welcomed him as the “Crown Prince of Iran”—Israel openly declared its support. That visit and Pahlavi’s statements on democracy and human rights, particularly in the presence of Israeli officials, set the stage for extensive media campaigns in cyberspace.

One of Mossad’s main methods to promote Reza Pahlavi was the use of fake and fabricated Persian-language social media accounts. Managed by Israeli agents online, these accounts utilized artificial intelligence and other advanced tools to generate promotional content in favor of Reza Pahlavi and monarchism. Investigations by Haaretz and Citizen Lab show that these accounts operated in a coordinated and premeditated manner across social platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, deliberately posting messages with hashtags such as #Shah_Reza_Pahlavi.

These operations intensified after the 12-day war and Israeli and U.S. airstrikes against Iran. According to researchers, fake accounts became highly active, widely distributing fabricated content, such as the “Next Year in Tehran” video, depicting Netanyahu, Israeli Minister Gamliel, and Reza Pahlavi walking through the streets of Tehran. Such content aimed to simulate broad popular support for Reza Pahlavi and the return of the monarchy in Iran.

Searching for the Truth Behind the Curtain

However, as recent Haaretz and Citizen Lab reports reveal, much of this “support” was fabricated and produced by Israeli security agencies. These networks operated in an organized manner, using Israeli state funding to create the illusion of popular backing for Reza Pahlavi. Contrary to claims made by some media and analysts, these campaigns never translated into real support for him inside Iran.

Concurrently, complementary cyber operations produced videos aimed at undermining senior officials of the Islamic Republic, which were disseminated through fake accounts. Additionally, during the Israeli airstrike on Evin Prison, these cyber networks rapidly posted about explosions there before official news emerged—posts later proven to be false.

Despite all these efforts, Mossad’s strategy to promote Reza Pahlavi as an option for regime change in Iran achieved no real success. The strategy, based on flawed analyses of Iran’s situation and the exaggerated influence of monarchists in Iranian domestic politics and society, never produced even minimal or relative results. In fact, Israeli military attacks and speculations about the collapse of the Islamic Republic only strengthened national cohesion in Iran rather than weakening it.

Under these circumstances, Israel gradually realized that support for Reza Pahlavi could no longer serve as an effective option in its regime-change strategy. Accordingly, Mossad has shifted its focus to terrorist and separatist groups with real operational capabilities for sabotage and intelligence gathering.

Given the failure of the monarchist strategy, Israel is now moving toward new policies, likely increasing support for terrorist and separatist groups capable of striking Iran. In this context, Mossad may seek to use newer tools in information warfare and sabotage operations.

Ultimately, these developments indicate that Israel is pursuing new strategies toward Iran. The advertising and cyber projects that once promoted Reza Pahlavi and monarchism have now ended. Mossad and the Israeli regime are now seeking more operationally viable options to achieve their objectives. This policy shift in Israel will have significant implications for international relations, particularly in the Middle East.