Trump Comments on Iranian Opposition Leader
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump remarked that Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi “seems like a very nice guy.” However, he expressed doubts about Pahlavi’s ability to gain sufficient support in Iran to assume power.
During an exclusive interview with Reuters from the Oval Office, Trump suggested that the clerical government in Iran might collapse. He also placed blame on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the stalled negotiations with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, he brushed aside criticism from Republicans concerning the Justice Department’s investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.
Trump has hinted at the possibility of intervening to assist protesters in Iran, where many have reportedly lost their lives amid a crackdown on dissent against clerical control.
Yet, the President hesitated to offer full support for Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, who was ousted in 1979. “He looks very good, but I don’t know how he’s going to play domestically,” Trump said. “And we’re really not there yet.” He stated that he was uncertain whether Iranians would accept Pahlavi as their leader, concluding, “But if they do, that’s fine with me.”
Trump’s remarks further raised questions about Pahlavi’s leadership potential, especially since—only a week prior—Trump had indicated he had no intention of meeting with him.
At 65, Pahlavi has been living outside Iran since before the 1979 revolution and has emerged as a significant voice among current protests. However, the Iranian opposition remains fragmented, consisting of various groups and ideological factions, with monarchists supporting Pahlavi. It appears there’s little organized structure among them within the Islamic Republic.
Trump mentioned that the ongoing protests could lead to the regime in Tehran’s collapse, but he acknowledged that “any regime could collapse.” He added, “Whether it goes down or not, it’s going to be an interesting time.”
During the 30-minute interview, Trump, sitting behind a prominent “desk of determination” while sipping a Diet Coke, highlighted a robust binder of documents showcasing his accomplishments since assuming office in January 2025. However, he noted that the party in power often loses seats in midterm elections, emphasizing the importance of securing wins in November’s upcoming parliamentary elections. “Even if you win the presidency, it doesn’t mean you won the midterm elections,” he said. “But we’re going to work hard to win in the midterm elections.”
