Donald Trump on Wednesday questioned whether Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi could rally enough backing within Iran to eventually assume leadership, even as protests continue to challenge the country’s clerical establishment.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Reuters at the Oval Office, Trump described Pahlavi as “very nice” but said it was unclear whether he could gain acceptance among Iranians at home.
“He seems very nice, but I don’t know how he’d play within his own country,” Trump said. “I don’t know whether or not his country would accept his leadership.”
Reluctance to Back an Opposition Figure
Trump’s comments marked his strongest public doubts yet about Pahlavi’s prospects, coming a week after he said he had no plans to meet the U.S.-based opposition leader. Pahlavi, the 65-year-old son of Iran’s last shah, has lived outside Iran since before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and has become a prominent voice among expatriate critics of the current government.
Despite repeated statements that he could intervene in support of protesters in Iran, Trump stopped short of offering full backing to Pahlavi, saying the situation had not yet reached that stage.
Iran’s opposition remains deeply divided among rival movements and ideologies, including monarchists who support Pahlavi, and lacks a unified organizational presence inside the country.
Possibility of Change in Tehran
Trump acknowledged that Iran’s government could potentially fall amid continued unrest, though he cautioned against assuming any outcome was inevitable.
“Any regime can fail,” he said. “Whether it falls or not, it’s going to be an interesting period of time.”
Thousands have reportedly been killed in crackdowns on protests against clerical rule, according to rights groups and international observers.
Ukraine and Domestic Politics Also in Focus
During the wide-ranging interview, Trump also weighed in on the war in Ukraine, blaming President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the lack of progress in negotiations with Russia.
Asked about stalled peace efforts, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to reach an agreement, adding, “The hold-up is Zelenskiy.”
Trump also dismissed criticism from fellow Republicans over a Justice Department probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, saying party lawmakers “should be loyal.”
Looking Ahead to Global Meetings
Trump confirmed he is scheduled to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House, describing the meeting as an opportunity to “talk basics.” He also praised Delcy Rodriguez, saying she had been “very good to deal with.”
The president said he plans to highlight the strength of the U.S. economy at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, where he will hold bilateral talks with several world leaders.
White House officials said Trump will use the event to promote U.S. economic performance while continuing discussions on global security and geopolitical challenges.