Washington DC, March 18 -- Iran's exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi has called on Iranians to honour what he called the "heroes" of the country's struggle for freedom, saying the nation's desire for liberty "shall never be extinguished."

In a post on X, Pahlavi on Wednesday addressed Iranians after the traditional fire festival of 'Chaharshanbe-Suri', praising people who marked the occasion despite being "in the face of threat and repression."

"My brave compatriots," Pahlavi said. " Salutations to you who, on the night of Chaharshanbe-Suri, stood steadfast and united in the face of threat and repression, and kept the ancient flame of Iran alight."

"You demonstrated that our national will is unconquerable, and that the flame of liberty a...