03.03.2026 20:50
Regarding the ongoing regime change scenarios in Iran, the exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi stated that he wants to take the helm of the country. However, U.S. President Donald Trump did not show interest in Pahlavi's request. Emphasizing that a "name from within" should be considered for leadership in Iran, Trump said, "Pahlavi is a very good person, but in my opinion, if there is someone popular within Iran, that would be more appropriate."
While scenarios for regime change in Iran are being discussed loudly, the exiled son of the deposed Iranian Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Prince Reza Pahlavi, has clearly expressed his desire to take the helm of the country following a potential war or change process. However, this request did not receive the expected response from U.S. President Donald Trump.
"THERE MAY BE MORE SUITABLE OPTIONS"
Answering reporters' questions at the White House, Trump made clear statements about whether Pahlavi's name is an option. While Trump used positive expressions about Pahlavi as a person, he emphasized the importance of "an insider" in political leadership.
Trump stated the following in his speech:
"I think there are some people like him, and frankly, we haven't thought too much about this issue. It seems to me that an insider might be more suitable. I had said that he seems like a very good person. But if there is someone who is present there and currently popular, that person seems more suitable to me."
PAHLAVI'S EXILE DILEMMA
Pahlavi's desire for leadership seems to be hindered by Trump's criteria of "popularity" and "being within the country." While Trump described the current Iranian administration as "radical fanatics," he pointed out that change could only be healthy with more moderate figures coming from the people.
HE HAD CLEARLY ASKED FOR LEADERSHIP
The exiled prince had clearly indicated his stance in a post on his social media account, stating that he would separate religion and state affairs if he were to take over the administration.
In his post, Pahlavi addressed citizens in Khuzestan, Ilam, Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and West Azerbaijan; describing the Islamic Republic administration as a "tyrannical and guilty regime," Pahlavi highlighted the oppression and discrimination experienced over the past 47 years.
Pahlavi stated that they would establish a government based on the separation of religion and state, the rule of law, and equal citizenship rights in Iran's freedom process, and said, "Like all other Iranians, you will be able to live freely, preserve your identity, and benefit fairly from the blessings of a free Iran."