, Jan. 10 -- Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, whose father was overthrown nearly five decades ago, is once again seeking a role in shaping Iran's future as nationwide protests challenge the country's Islamic rulers.

Pahlavi, 65, has lived in exile in the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution forced his father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, from power after mass uprisings across the country. Though the monarchy was widely despised for corruption, repression and deep inequality, Pahlavi is now trying to position himself as an alternative to Iran's struggling theocracy.

Iran's supreme leader warns of harsh response as protests continue

He recently called on Iranians to return to the streets, helping trigger large demonstra...