Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for the complete overthrow of Iran's Islamic Republic during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Grapevine, Texas, on Saturday. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, he declared that remnants of the regime cannot be allowed to remain in power because "you cannot reform a snake. Venom is in its DNA."

Pahlavi's address came on the fifth week of a U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran, which began February 28 with strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials. President Trump has extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face further attacks on its power plants. The prince urged the United States to "stay the course" and avoid throwing the regime a lifeline, paving the way for Iranians to deliver the final blow.

"A free Iran is not a fantasy. A free Iran is within reach right now," Pahlavi said, adding that millions of Iranians have called on him to lead a transition to democracy. He rejected partial deals, warning that regime holdovers would cheat and resume threats against America. Echoing President Trump's slogan, Pahlavi pledged to "make Iran great again," envisioning a shift from "Death to America" chants to "God bless America."

The crowd at the Gaylord Texan Resort gave Pahlavi a standing ovation upon his entrance, with Iranian Americans chanting "long live the king" and cheering his remarks. He emphasized an irreparable divide: "There is a sea of blood between the people and the regime." A free Iran, he promised, would end nuclear threats, terrorism, and regional instability, becoming a U.S. ally and economic partner.

The speech follows massive protests in Iran triggered by currency collapse and regime crackdowns that killed over 6,000, including children and demonstrators. Pahlavi, son of the last shah ousted in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, positioned himself as a unifying opposition figure for monarchists, republicans, and dissidents. He plans to call for a nationwide uprising at the right moment to reclaim Iran's future.

CPAC 2026, held March 25-28, featured other speakers like Sen. Ted Cruz amid discussions on U.S. foreign policy. Iranian exiles filled the hall, expressing hope for regime change under sustained pressure.