The war has made the Iranian regime weaker and more divided, believes Reza Pahlavi, who visited Stockholm on Monday to speak to Swedish members of parliament.
But although it has weakened, it can still be more virulent, vengeful and dangerous than ever, he says.
Therefore, he calls for continued American and Israeli attacks - to "level the playing field" and clear the ground for Iranians to take power themselves after 47 years of Islamist rule.
Once that happens, the Shah's son wants to be the one to lead the country to democratic elections.
"Nothing is perfect"
Reza Pahlavi is not an obvious opposition leader. His family's rule, where power was inherited, was overthrown for a reason. Why should the Iranian people believe him now, when he claims he only wants to rule the country until democratic elections can be held?
Because I keep my word, he says and continues:
There is a gap in how the media interprets Iranians' attitude towards the situation they find themselves in today. Many of you are still stuck in 1979.
All countries have some form of state security service, he says, referring to his father's security police, Savak - notorious for persecuting and torturing dissidents.
Nothing is perfect. But we have learned from our mistakes how to distribute power, have a judicial system, protect human rights, and strengthen civil society.
"This is all part of the learning process. Iranians are not idiots," he continues.
Trump doubts
US President Donald Trump is one of many who have expressed doubts about Reza Pahlavi's ability to lead the country. Reza Pahlavi has been in exile for almost 50 years. That does not matter to Pahlavi, who claims to have the support of "millions of Iranians who have shouted my name in the streets."
It is more important than whatever opinion a foreign government may have.
In the parliament building, where the interview was conducted, Reza Pahlavi also criticizes Europe, which he accuses of having "pursued a policy of appeasement" towards the Iranian regime for four decades.
The West has not listened, and now we find ourselves where we are today. Israel took the initiative, the US followed. Europe still has a chance to catch up and do its part. Europe still has a chance to put more pressure on the regime.
Facts: Reza Pahlavi
Reza Pahlavi was born in Tehran in 1960 and is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was the Shah of Iran from 1941 until he was overthrown in the revolution in 1979.
The former crown prince has lived in exile since 1978, mostly in Washington, D.C., and has long campaigned for regime change and for Iran to become secular.
Reza Pahlavi is popular among parts of the Iranian opposition and has himself stated that he is ready to return to Iran and lead a transitional government if the regime falls.
