Analysts say Israel's decision to name its airstrike operation on Iran on the 28th (local time) "Roaring Lion" carries an intent to stir pro-monarchy sentiment in Iran.
According to the Times of Israel and others, the Israeli prime minister's office said it named the operation targeting Iran "Roaring Lion." Last June, Israel struck major Iranian nuclear facilities and eliminated top military leaders in an operation it named "Rising Lion," again putting "lion" in the operation name.
In the Middle East, the lion is one of the emblematic animals symbolizing bravery and authority, and in Iran, the pre-1979 Islamic Revolution national flag included a lion. In Iran, the pre-revolution flag has long been taboo, partly because it evokes the Pahlavi dynasty that ruled the country before the revolution.
For that reason, some interpret Israel's continued use of "lion" in operation names as an attempt to stir public sentiment inside Iran. During the anti-government protests that continued through January, some demonstrators waved the pre-revolution flag and criticized the current system, drawing major attention.
Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the last crown prince of the former Pahlavi monarchy in Iran, 65, released a message to the nation the same day, saying, "The Islamic Republic is collapsing," and, "We are close to victory."
Regarding the airstrikes, he said it was a humanitarian intervention, not an armed invasion, and that the target was the Islamic Republic regime led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, not the Iranian people. He also addressed Iran's military and police, saying, "Those you swore to protect are Iran and the Iranian people, not the Islamic Republic and its leadership," and, "Stand with the people. Otherwise, you will sink with Khamenei."
Reza Pahlavi said, "Despite the regime's brutal repression, the people of Iran have bravely resisted for nearly two months (since the outbreak of anti-government protests)," and, "Our ultimate goal is to take back Iran. For now, please stay safe in your homes." This is seen as signaling his intent to play a leading role should Iran's system undergo rapid change in the future.
Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son among the two sons and three daughters of the Pahlavi king. After the monarchy was overthrown in 1979, the royal family moved from Egypt to Morocco, Greece, the Bahamas, and elsewhere. After Anwar Sadat was assassinated in 1981, he went to the United States and lived in exile. In January, during the anti-government protests, he continued to send political messages to the Iranian people, saying, "Come out into the streets, unite, and voice your demands."