Clock is Ticking in Iran, Says Shah's Son

United Press International:

Iran needs the nuclear stand-off to expand its power and divert attention from a flagging economy and internal unrest, the son of the late Shah of Iran said Wednesday. Reza Pahlavi, whose family was ousted by the Islamic regime in 1979, said attempts by Western diplomats to negotiate with Iran only help the regime buy time to develop its nuclear program.

"[Western diplomats] are operating under the false assumption that the other side wants a solution," Pahlavi told reporters at the National Press Club.

He highlighted how Iran's student movement and the press have both been suppressed by the Islamic regime.

"There are more journalists and webloggers in jail [in Iran] than in any other country in the world," he said. "Young dissidents need the support of the free world." READ MORE

Pahlavi, the heir to Iran's defunct throne, said he ever returns, as he hopes to do, his role will be defined by his "compatriots."

"My principal mission and priority today is freedom in Iran," he said, adding that he intends to "spend (his) political captial" in Iran to create unity among opposition groups.

He also said he would not support foreign government support of specific political organizations in Iran or any type of military action.

"The initiative has to come from Iranians themselves. We can liberate ourselves without any intervention," he said.

Pahlavi called Iranians "the most pro-Western and most natural allies" of the United States in the Middle East region.