Donald Trump raises doubts over Reza Pahlavi, questions his ability to rule Iran

Washington: Amid ongoing protests against the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei regime in Iran, US President Donald Trump has made a significant statement regarding the son of the former Iranian ruler, Reza Shah Pahlavi. 

What did Donald Trump say about Reza Pahlavi?

Donald Trump praised Reza Pahlavi's personality but expressed doubts about his popular support and leadership capabilities within Iran. Talking to the media in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump said there is a strong possibility that Iran's Islamic regime led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will collapse.

Trump questioned the capabilities of Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, saying that he seems like a very nice person, but he doesn't know how he would perform in his country.

Trump also expressed uncertainty about whether Pahlavi would be able to garner enough support to take power in Iran. However, Trump made it clear that he is not currently in a position to give Pahlavi his full support, as he doesn't know whether the Iranian people would accept him.

"He seems very nice, but I don't know how he'd play within his own country. And we really aren't up to that point yet,” Trump said.

"I don't know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me."

Trump's comments have raised further questions about Pahlavi's ability to lead Iran, especially since he said last week that he had no plans to meet with Pahlavi, which further clarifies his stance.

What did Trump say about Zelenskyy?

During the same interview, Trump also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, blaming him for the stalemate in negotiations in the war with Russia. Additionally, Trump dismissed criticism from his own Republican Party regarding the Justice Department's investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

On the issue of Iran, Trump has threatened to support the protesters, but he is still treading cautiously on the question of leadership.

What is the situation in Iran?

The protests in Iran, which began at the end of December, have revealed widespread discontent against the clerical regime. The situation has worsened due to deadly clashes in 280 locations across Iran. Reports indicate that as many as 2,500 people have died in the protests. However, the Iranian regime is continuously attempting to suppress the demonstrations.

Who is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, and the exiled Crown Prince. He is currently the head of the former Iranian royal family and left Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He has been living in the United States for decades.