Washington: US President Donald Trump has questioned whether Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, can gain enough support inside Iran to emerge as a credible leader if the country’s clerical government weakens or collapses.
Speaking in an interview cited by Reuters, Trump said Pahlavi “seems very nice” but expressed uncertainty about his ability to mobilise people within Iran. He made it clear that the United States is not at a stage of endorsing Pahlavi or any single opposition figure as an alternative to Iran’s current leadership.
Trump’s comments come at a time when Iran is facing continued unrest driven by economic hardship, political dissatisfaction and public anger toward the ruling system. While protests and sporadic demonstrations have raised questions about the stability of the government, analysts say Iran’s opposition remains fragmented, with limited coordination between groups inside the country and figures living in exile.
Reza Pahlavi, who lives outside Iran, has positioned himself as a unifying voice for opposition movements and has called for a democratic transition. However, critics argue that years of exile and the legacy of the monarchy make it difficult for him to build broad based support within Iran, especially among younger generations.
Trump suggested that internal dynamics in Iran, rather than external backing, would ultimately determine the country’s future leadership. He also indicated that any political change would need to reflect the will of people inside Iran, not decisions made from abroad.
The remarks underline Washington’s cautious approach as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high.
While the White House continues to criticise Tehran’s policies and human rights record, Trump’s comments signal reluctance to openly back an exiled opposition figure without clear evidence of strong domestic support.
As Iran’s situation continues to evolve, international attention remains focused on whether ongoing unrest could lead to meaningful political change, or whether divisions within the opposition will limit its impact.