Trump cautious about Reza Pahlavi’s prospects
President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty over exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi potentially leading Iran if the Islamic regime falls. “He seems very nice, but I don’t know how he’d play within his own country,” Trump told Reuters on Wednesday. “We really aren’t at that point yet. I don’t know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me.”
Hesitation amid Iranian protests
Trump has not taken a firm stance on Pahlavi despite recent protests in Iran. On Jan. 8, during an interview with Hugh Hewitt, Trump said he was unsure about meeting the crown prince, calling it potentially “inappropriate” at this stage. “I think that we should let everybody go out there, and we see who emerges,” he added.
Pahlavi appeals for U.S. intervention
Pahlavi has repeatedly reached out to Trump during the unrest. Following a sweeping internet blackout in Iran on Jan. 9, he posted an urgent call on X urging the president to be ready to assist Iranian protesters. He also addressed Trump on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” praising his commitment to peace and contrasting him with former Presidents Obama and Biden.
Meetings with U.S. officials
Despite Trump’s public caution, Pahlavi reportedly met with high-level U.S. officials, including White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to Axios. The crown prince is presenting himself as a potential transitional leader should the current regime collapse.
Background on Reza Pahlavi
Pahlavi is the son of Iran’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He has lived in exile ever since, unable to return to Iran, but remains active in advocating for political change and supporting Iranian protesters.
