Trump called Pahlavi the son of Iran’s last shah overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution a “nice person”, but said it would not be appropriate for him to meet with the exiled royal at this time

United States President Donald Trump has ruled out meeting with Iran’s self-proclaimed Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, signaling that Washington is not prepared to endorse a potential successor to Iran’s government if it collapses.

Speaking on The Hugh Hewitt Show, Trump called Pahlavi the son of Iran’s last shah overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution a “nice person”, but said it would not be appropriate for him to meet with the exiled royal at this time.

“I think we should let everybody go out there and see who emerges,” Trump said.

Pahlavi, who lives in the United States and has close ties with Israel, leads a monarchist faction of the fragmented Iranian opposition. Trump’s comments underscore US caution about backing any specific leadership figure amid ongoing turmoil in Iran.

The Islamic Republic is facing widespread protests that have spread nationwide, despite Iranian authorities cutting off internet and phone services in an apparent attempt to suppress dissent.

Trump has warned Tehran of serious consequences if its security forces violently crack down on demonstrators, saying the United States would respond forcefully if protesters are killed.

Pahlavi publicly thanked Trump for his stance and reiterated calls for greater international support for the Iranian protest movement, urging European leaders to follow Washington’s lead.

The protests, which began amid economic hardship exacerbated by sanctions, have drawn significant domestic and international attention, but so far no clear alternative leadership has emerged from the unrest.

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