Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the last shah (king) of Iran, has long been trying to position himself as a leading figure of the Iranian anti-government movement.

He has this morning made a new statement on social media, calling on Iranians to “come to the streets” today and tomorrow from 6pm, respectively.

Moreover, he called on workers and employees in key sectors of the economy, especially transportation, and oil, gas, and energy, to begin a nationwide strike.

However, an internet blackout had been in place for over 36 hours this morning, limiting access to Pahlavi’s message.

It comes after protests continued across Iran for the second consecutive night yesterday, according to Pahlavi. He lauded protesters’ “courage and steadfastness”, that had won “the admiration of the world”.

He added that he was “preparing to return to my homeland to be with you… when our national revolution is victorious”. 

“I believe that day is very close,” he said.

Yesterday, Pahlavi had asked Donald Trump to “please be prepared to intervene to help the people of Iran”.