Reza Pahlavi backed protests spreading across Iran, calling on all segments of society and security forces to join demonstrators as strikes and rallies grow amid a deepening economic crisis.

Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi backed the protests erupting throughout Iran on Monday with a message to his followers on social media.

“I send my greetings to you, the bazaar merchants, and the people who have taken the streets into their own hands,” the prince stated in a video message.

“As long as this regime remains in power, the country’s economic situation will continue to deteriorate.

“Today is a time for greater solidarity.

“I call on all segments of society to join your fellow citizens in the streets and raise your voices demanding the downfall of this system.”

Protestors chanted 'Pahlavi will return'

Protests began on Sunday when the bazaari (merchant class) closed their shops and took to the streets after Iran’s economic crisis deepened, with $1 reaching 1.4 million rials market value (42,000 rials official value).

The economic situation in the country has been declining for months, and reached a peak on Sunday. Monday saw protests spread as the bazaari held a strike in several districts in Tehran, before protestors took to the streets in other cities.

Further protests have been recorded in Ahvaz, Hamadan, Qeshm, and Mashhad, among others.

Videos of protests shared from within Iran show the crowds chanting support for Pahlavi, with cries such as “Pahlavi will return.”

There have also been calls for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and disgust for his policy of supporting Iranian proxies with billions of dollars, while the Iranian economy suffers.

“No to Gaza, No to Lebanon. I give my life for Iran,” was among the chants heard

As reports also emerged of security forces firing tear gas on protesters, Pahlavi reserved part of his message for that element of the regime.

“My special message to the security and law enforcement forces: this regime is collapsing. Do not stand against the people. Join the people.

“We will prevail because justice is on our side, and because we are united and speaking with one voice.”