Rival opposition figures have begun positioning themselves for influence following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His passing has created a major political vacuum in Iran and opened debate over what kind of system could replace the Islamic Republic.

On Saturday, opposition leader Maryam Rajavi and exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi issued separate public appeals. Both called on Iranians to unite. However, they outlined very different political futures for the country.

Maryam Rajavi Calls for Democratic Republic

Rajavi, president-elect of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), demanded the removal of Iran’s clerical leadership. She called for the creation of a democratic republic as tensions rise over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes after US and Israeli strikes.

“Our homeland continues to endure greater pain and destruction under the rule of religious fascism,” Rajavi said in a statement. She urged Iranians, especially the nation’s “courageous youth,” to protect civilians during the unrest.

The NCRI describes itself as a government-in-exile formed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. It says it has prepared a six-month transitional plan. According to the group, this plan would organise free elections and transfer power directly to the people.

“Now is the time for solidarity,” Rajavi said. “[Iranians] reject both the Shah and the mullahs,” she added, clearly rejecting any return to monarchy.

She also promoted her “10-point plan,” which includes free elections, separation of religion and state, gender equality, and a non-nuclear Iran.

“Our path leads toward the future and the establishment of a democratic republic,” she said, “not a return to the buried dictatorship of the past.”

Reza Pahlavi Supports Democratic Transition

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, also called for political change if the Islamic Republic collapses. In a post on X, he described the US strike as a “humanitarian intervention” aimed at the regime, not the Iranian people.

“The final victory will still be achieved by us,” he wrote. “It is we, the people of Iran, who will finish this task in this final battle. The time to return to the streets is approaching.”

Pahlavi urged US President Donald Trump to show “the utmost possible caution” to protect civilians if military action continues. He added that Iranians “will not forget your assistance during the most difficult period of Iran’s contemporary history.”

Appeals to Military and Security Forces

Both Rajavi and Pahlavi directly addressed Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other security institutions.

Rajavi asked members of the IRGC to lay down their arms and side with the public. Pahlavi warned security personnel that they would “sink with Khamenei’s ship” if they continued defending the regime instead of “protect[ing] Iran and the Iranian nation.”

Their competing messages highlight a growing struggle for legitimacy among opposition groups during one of the Islamic Republic’s most unstable periods in decades.

Uncertainty Over Succession

Khamenei never publicly named a successor. However, his second-eldest son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has long been considered a possible candidate. The 56-year-old is known for supporting his father’s hardline policies.

The US Treasury recently accused Mojtaba of helping transfer $1.5 billion out of Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent alleged that the leadership was “abandoning ship.”

Another possible figure is Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini. At 53, Hassan is viewed by some as a more moderate option both domestically and internationally.

Intelligence experts have warned that the IRGC could attempt to seize greater control if the leadership crisis deepens.

International Leaders Encourage Protest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump both encouraged Iranians to challenge their government.

“Our joint action will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands,” Netanyahu said, urging citizens to “take over your government.”

As Iran enters a period of uncertainty, the battle over its political future appears to be intensifying both inside the country and among opposition groups abroad.