WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- The son of the former shah of Iran called Monday for solidarity against Iran 's Islamic regime , warning that the democratic movement born out of the election crisis might not succeed without international support . Reza Shah Pahlavi has lived in exile since 1979 , when his father was overthrown during the Islamic Revolution . `` The moment of truth has arrived , '' Reza Shah Pahlavi said at Washington 's National Press Club . `` The people of Iran need to know who stands with them . '' Pahlavi has lived in exile since 1979 , when his father , Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi , was overthrown during the Islamic Revolution . Under the shah 's regime , Iran saw nationalization of its oil and a strong movement toward modernization . Still , his secular programs and recognition of Israel cost him the support of the country 's Shiite clergy , sparking clashes with the religious right and others who resented his pro-West views . The son now lives in the United States with his family , where he spends much of his time talking about the Islamic regime in Iran . During his remarks , he broke into tears when he spoke of `` bullets piercing our beloved Neda , '' a woman killed Saturday by Iranian police at a protest in Tehran , whose death has become a rallying cry among demonstrators in Iran . Watch one woman 's account of clashes with security forces » . The Iranian regime , he said , was a `` sinking Titanic '' that might not survive the demands for democracy and human rights reverberating through the country . Watch Pahlavi call vote `` fraud '' » . Citing anecdotes from people inside the Iranian establishment , Pahlavi said he had heard that security forces have begun to distance themselves from the regime . `` It has already started , '' he said , citing reports that members of the security forces have gone home after their shifts ended and changed into plain clothes to join the protesters . `` Many , many elements within the security forces , within the Revolutionary Guard , are showing discontent , '' Pahlavi said . `` There is an amazing reflection that is happening . ... This is a movement that has blown out of proportion . '' Pahlavi praised the statements and tone of President Obama , saying that any outside attempt to interfere in Iran 's internal affairs `` will give the tyrants the excuse they need to paper over their own differences and target every man struggling for freedom as a foreign agent . '' But he said there was a difference between interfering in a country 's sovereign affairs and standing for principles of human rights and democracy . `` We welcome that . This is effective . It is important , '' he said . `` This is precisely what Iranians at home demand world leaders , particularly someone like President Obama , who after all his entire message of hope and change and affirmative action ... was a big inspiration to many . '' But , he added , Obama and other world leaders must be prepared to change their tactics if the violence against protesters gets much worse . `` The question is , what will the world governments do this time ? '' he asked . `` Are we going to have Tiananmen Square revisited ? Or is [ it ] going to be this time different ? ''
Reza Shah Pahlavi : Democratic movement needs international support to succeed . He called Iranian regime a `` sinking Titanic '' that might not survive the movement . Pahlavi cited reports security forces go home , change clothes , join protest . He praised Obama but encouraged countries to be prepared to stand up and help .