Trump Shares Views on Reza Pahlavi Amidst Iran Protests
President Donald Trump expressed his thoughts to Reuters on Wednesday regarding Reza Pahlavi, the heir to the Shah of Iran. While he described Pahlavi as “a very nice guy,” Trump voiced doubt over whether Iranians would actually support him as a leader should the current Islamist regime collapse.
Furthermore, Trump suggested that the ongoing unrest in Iran, sparked by extensive protests against the regime, hasn’t reached a stage where discussions about the future leadership, particularly of dictator Ali Khamenei, are relevant. The protests, which have persisted for two weeks across numerous cities, have been met with severe government repression, leading to significant arrests and violence.
According to various rebel groups, protests have erupted in as many as 195 cities since late December, with calls for an end to Khamenei’s harsh rule that has persisted since 1979. Estimates indicate that around 20,000 lives may have been lost in these protests. However, the lack of emerging opposition leaders complicates the question of who could govern a potential post-Khamenei Iran.
Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last Shah, has been residing in the United States since his father was overthrown. Though he seems to evoke some support, notably symbolized in images from protests, Trump remained uncertain about Pahlavi’s popularity within Iran. The regime’s capability for rapid suppression continues to hinder any transition, as Pahlavi reportedly lacks the military backing necessary to replace the current regime’s forces.
“He appears to be likable, but it’s unclear how he would be received back home,” Trump mentioned. “We’re just not at that point yet.” He added, “If the country embraces him, that’s fine by me.”
When asked about the Iranian regime’s future, Trump remarked, “Whether it collapses or not, it’s definitely going to be an interesting time.”
Previously, Trump indicated he had no plans to meet with Pahlavi or discuss a potential transition. Reports suggest that Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, continues to communicate with Pahlavi, albeit without public updates. Pahlavi appears to have minimal organizational influence within Iran, according to news sources. The Wall Street Journal editorial board attempted to link Pahlavi to the protests but noted that many Iranians had mobilized independently prior to his calls for action.
The protests, which clearly demand the downfall of the Islamist regime, started in late December in reaction to new substantial taxes and the depreciation of the rial currency, exacerbated by inflation. Videos from the protests captured large crowds blocking roads and trying to enter government buildings.
Iranians are grappling with various unsustainable conditions, from oppressive measures, including the killing of dissenters by the “moral police,” to severe shortages of water in major cities. Tehran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has called for relocating the capital due to these pressures, while the government has attempted cloud seeding to mitigate drought conditions that resulted in flooding.
Pahlavi, in exile, has urged Trump to take action regarding the protests, although he has not detailed what he seeks. He emphasized that timely intervention could minimize deaths and facilitate the regime’s downfall. In a CBS News interview, he stated, “The best way to reduce casualties in Iran is to act before the regime falls.” He expressed his willingness to sacrifice for Iran’s freedom but hasn’t made plans to return or actively participate in the demonstrations. When questioned about encouraging protests, he framed it as a wartime scenario with predictable losses, once again calling for unspecified action.
