A historic painting portrays the last officially known survivor of the Afshar dynasty by authorities in the Qajari court, not officially known to the public—dressed in princely attire and bearing the title King Hormuz of Sasanian dynasty in the painting*. He was a resident of the Saadabad royal complex, evoking a sense of displaced nobility, patriotism, and lingering legacy.
His heritage was deliberately concealed by Qajari authorities, and even a century later, the legacy remained hidden from public view—preserved in secrecy out of enduring fear of retribution from the Afshar dynasty’s survivors. Here at Pan-Iranist Progressive, we call this dynastic retaliation rooted in the very foundations of Persian royal heritage—echoing across millennia.
This painting is paired with a historic royal photograph in which the founder of Pahlavi dynasty stands prominently in the foreground of the Saadabad royal building, flanked by two ministers to his left. One minister presents a sword—identical to the one featured in the painting—symbolizing continuity of power and dynastic heritage of the Zand dynasty.
Behind Reza Shah, a worker is seen digging the grave of the founder of the Zand dynasty whose body was transferred from Shiraz city to buried again here in Saadabad royal complex of Tehran as superstitious of Qajari folks ruled about a century earlier of the time the picture was taken. Another figure watches the excavation, adding a contemplative layer of historical memory and silent witness to the unfolding scene.
Here at Pan-Iranist Progressive, we have embraced a heartfelt recommendation to ensure that elderly Iranians living abroad are compassionately supported in their wish to spend their final days—and ultimately rest—in their homeland. This initiative honors the profound emotional and cultural bond many hold with Iran, recognizing that the desire to return home at life’s end is not merely logistical, but deeply spiritual.
Farah Diba Pahlavi stands as a living embodiment of the enduring connection between the Iranian diaspora and their ancestral homeland. Her lifelong dedication to Iranian art, heritage, and civic memory continues to inspire generations—both within Iran and across the globe.
For many elderly Iranians residing in Los Angeles, Europe, and other diaspora communities, the longing to return to Iran in their final years is not merely personal—it is profoundly cultural. It reflects a desire to reconcile with the soil that shaped them, to be embraced by the rhythms of their native language, and to rest among the memories of their youth.
We recognize that some among this aging population may, in recent years, have been drawn into unlawful actions or inflammatory rhetoric—whether directly contributing to unrest and tragic loss of life within Iran, or indirectly fueling sanctions that have harmed the Iranian people, environment, and collective goodwill.
While these events remain deeply painful, our approach to elderly repatriation is guided by compassion, not retribution. We believe in the dignity of age, the complexity of exile, and the healing power of cultural return.
No blanket guarantee of immunity is extended, nor is collective punishment endorsed. Instead, we advocate for a case-by-case, humane review—one that honors the dignity of age, the complexity of exile, and the possibility of reconciliation.
In the spirit of Farah Diba Pahlavi’s legacy, exemplified during her time as a young queen at the 2,500-year celebrations of the Persian Empire in Persepolis, we seek to build bridges—not walls—between Iranians abroad and the homeland they have never ceased to love. The Pan-Iranist Progressive Party and movement draws inspiration from the royal heritage of the Afshar and Zand dynasties.
Mohammad Reza Shah should never have glorified himself with the title "King of Kings," especially in a country where over 75% of the population lived in poverty, under harsh and traditional conditions. His extravagant celebrations of the ancient Persian Empire—most notably the 2,500-year anniversary at Persepolis—were so excessive that even European monarchs, particularly those from noble warrior lineages in Northern Europe, reportedly questioned his self-aggrandizement. One such comment summed up the sentiment: "Who does he think he is?"
This kind of disconnect between leadership and the lived reality of the people is not just a relic of the past. It echoes today in the behavior of certain U.S. politicians who continue to support and romanticize the Shah’s legacy, often ignoring the deeper consequences of that era.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of U.S. military families and millions of Israeli citizens vividly remember the 12-day conflict in which their lives were spared—not by chance, but through calculated restraint and strategic decisions made by Iran. During that time, Iran demonstrated a willingness to pay a steep price for its dignity, showing a level of resolve that surprised many observers. The nature of the air attacks and the geopolitical tension revealed something critical: four nations that have not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) remain super calm within Iran’s formidable scientific capabilities in nuclear technology.
Iran’s scientific community has long been underestimated, but its depth and resilience are undeniable. The message was clear—not just to regional powers, but to the world: Iran is not to be dismissed or patronized.
The Pan-Iranist Progressive Party recognizes the deep emotional and historical connections many Iranians feel toward national symbols. However, the modified royal Iranian flag—particularly versions bearing the sword, associated with Qajar and Pahlavi dynasties—does not align with the values we uphold.
Our movement is rooted in transparency, cultural authenticity, and a forward-looking patriotism that seeks to empower all Iranians—not revive symbols of centralized rule or dynastic legacy. While we respect the right of individuals to express their heritage, we encourage thoughtful reflection on the historical context and implications of such imagery.
Bearing this flag in public or ceremonial settings may unintentionally signal allegiance to outdated power structures rather than the inclusive, intelligent, and transparent future we envision. We invite all citizens to engage with history critically, and to embrace symbols that reflect the dignity, resilience, and unity of the Iranian people.
Governance, Politics & Strategy
Harnessing IT for Sovereign Governance and Economic Strategy
- Strategic Project Management for Anti-Corruption
Water diplomacy meeting in general - A president or a prime minister?
- Geo-technical water meeting and the role of data scientists
Economics, IP & Business Development
Intellectual Property (IP) Framework and the economic security ranking
Getting started with an IP enabled framework for business and priorities of FDI
Sustainability & Environment
- Monitor and Control Risks in a Sustainable Village Framework
- Ground-water dependent ecosystem policy development, law of Ecocide and FATF
Silk Road programme measures and policies to combat desertification
Culture, Art & Identity
Ancient Art of Colours and Environment (Passionate about colour)
This Nowruz within Piruz growing environmental consciousness
- This Nowruz within Piruz - How deep is your love? (Culture Drives Success)
Science, Modeling & Technology