Amid raging protests in Iran, speculations over the possible ouster of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have shifted the focus on who could succeed him as the new leader of the Islamic Republic if the former flees the country.
One prominent contender who could take charge in the troubled country is Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, but does US President Donald Trump feel the same way?
In an interview with Reuters, the POTUS has described Pahlavi as a “very nice person” but expressed uncertainty about his ability to lead Iran amid nationwide protests that have killed at least 2,000 people. It was fuelled by economic hardship and widespread dissatisfaction with the clerical government led by Khamenei.
What else did Trump say?
While Trump acknowledged that the Iranian clerical government might collapse under pressure, he stopped short of fully endorsing Pahlavi as a viable successor or leader.
“I don’t know how he’d play within his own country,” Trump said, adding that the United States “really aren’t up to that point yet” in supporting a specific opposition leader. He also stated that if Iranians accepted Pahlavi’s leadership, “that would be fine with me,” though such acceptance remains uncertain.
Who is Reza Pahlavi?
Pahlavi, the 65-year-old son of the late Shah of Iran, has lived in exile for decades. He currently lives in the US and has emerged as a prominent opposition figure, urging Iranians to continue protesting and demanding political change.
Pahlavi has positioned himself as an advocate for a democratic and secular Iran, rejecting a return to monarchy while calling for transparency, the end of support for militant groups, and normalised relations with Western nations and Israel. In recent posts on X, he outlined a vision for a ‘Free Iran,’ pledging democratic reforms and regional cooperation if the clerical regime falls.
Where is Khamenei right now?
There are no confirmed reports of Khamenei having fled Iran. He was rumoured to be preparing to flee to Russia as reports of US possible intervention gained ground amid reports of excessive use of force against the protesters.