By Micah Jonah
January 9, 2026
United States President, Donald Trump has ruled out holding talks with Iran’s self-proclaimed Crown Prince, Reza Pahlavi, signalling that Washington is not prepared to back any individual to lead Iran in the event of a regime collapse.
Trump described Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, as a “nice person”however said it would be inappropriate for a sitting US President to meet with him. The comments suggest the US is keeping its distance from Iran’s fragmented opposition, despite escalating unrest in the country.
“I think we should let everybody go out there, see who emerges,” Trump said during a radio interview. “I’m not sure necessarily that it would be an appropriate thing to do.”
Pahlavi, who resides in the United States and maintains close ties with Israel, has positioned himself as a leading figure within Iran’s monarchist opposition. He has repeatedly called for mass protests, has offered to lead a transitional government should Iran’s current system collapse.
Iran is currently facing widespread protests driven by a deepening economic crisis, marked by a sharp fall in the value of the rial and the impact of US sanctions. Authorities have imposed a nationwide internet blackout in what analysts describe as an attempt to curb mobilization and dissent.
Trump renewed warnings to Tehran against targeting protesters, saying the United States would respond forcefully if violence escalates.
“They’re doing very poorly, and I have let them know that if they start killing people, we’re going to hit them very hard,” he said.
The protests, which began as isolated economic demonstrations, have grown into broader antigovernment rallies across several regions. Iran’s leadership has dismissed US threats, with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei insisting the country will not bow to external pressure.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have remained high, following recent US military actions and renewed warnings over Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
