Trump Questions Reza Pahlavi’s Influence as Iranian Protests Continue

Post by : Saif Nasser

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed doubts about the ability of Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi to gather support within Iran to lead the country. In an exclusive interview at the White House, Trump said Pahlavi “seems very nice” but added uncertainty about how much influence he has inside Iran.

Pahlavi, 65, is the son of Iran’s last shah and has lived outside the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He has become a symbolic voice for some protesters during the recent unrest in Iran, which has seen thousands of people killed amid a government crackdown. Despite his prominence, the Iranian opposition remains divided, with multiple factions and groups, making any organized leadership difficult.

Trump also commented on the ongoing war in Ukraine, saying he believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is the main obstacle to reaching a peace agreement with Russia. He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to negotiate, but Zelenskiy has not fully agreed to terms.

Regarding domestic politics, Trump dismissed Republican criticism over the Justice Department’s probe into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. He said that party lawmakers “should be loyal” and rejected concerns that his actions might affect inflation.

Trump discussed the possibility of the Iranian government collapsing amid the protests, noting that “any regime can fail.” He emphasized that it will be an “interesting period” for Iran, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the country’s political future.

In addition, Trump praised the Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez and is scheduled to meet opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. He described Machado as “a very nice woman” and said their discussion would focus on basic matters.

Trump’s interview also focused on U.S. economic strength. He reiterated his belief that the economy is performing well, with strong job numbers, and plans to promote this message at the World Economic Forum in Davos. During the event, he is expected to hold meetings with the leaders of Switzerland, Poland, and Egypt.

Overall, Trump’s comments underline his cautious approach toward Iran’s opposition and reflect ongoing concerns over international conflicts and domestic political challenges. He remains engaged in multiple global and national issues, balancing foreign policy, economic messaging, and party politics as he moves further into his second year in office.