How to Understand Trump’s Stance on Iran’s Pahlavi

The Middle East is currently facing a whirlwind of change and uncertainty. On January 8, 2026, President Donald Trump made a very important comment about the future of Iran. During an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, the President was asked if he would meet with Reza Pahlavi. Pahlavi is the exiled Crown Prince and the son of the last Shah of Iran. Iran’s Pahlavi

President Trump responded by saying it would not be “appropriate” to meet him at this time. This statement comes as millions of Iranians take to the streets to protest their government. While the world watches the unrest, the US President is choosing to wait and see who will truly lead the people.

A Sudden Surge in Protests

The protests in Iran have reached a massive scale over the past two weeks. Since late December 2025, people in over 300 cities have joined rallies to demand change. Many of these demonstrations were sparked by a failing economy and a desire for more freedom.

On Thursday, January 8, a national rally called by Reza Pahlavi saw millions of people flood the streets. Chants of “Long live the Shah” were heard in major squares, which is a very bold move in Iran. This is the biggest challenge the current Iranian leadership has faced in many years.+3

Trump’s Respectful but Firm Stance

During his interview, President Trump spoke about Reza Pahlavi with a mix of kindness and caution. Raza said that he has “watched him” and thinks he seems like a “nice person.” However, the President was clear that a formal meeting is not on the agenda right now.

He told Hewitt that as President, he must be careful about who he endorses. He wants to “let everybody go out there” and see who emerges as the true leader of the movement. By saying it is not appropriate yet, Trump is keeping his options open for the future.+2

The Warning of “Hell” for Tehran

While the President is not ready to meet the Prince, he is very ready to protect the protesters. Trump issued a sharp warning to the authorities in Tehran. He said that if they start killing peaceful protesters, they will “pay hell.” This is not an empty threat, as the US military is already active in other regions.

Trump reminded the world that the US is “locked and loaded” to help those seeking freedom. He called the Iranians “brave people” and said it is a shame what has happened to their once-great country.+3

The Shadow of the Venezuela Operation

Many people are taking Trump’s warnings very seriously because of recent events in South America. On January 3, US forces successfully captured the leader of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro. This “extraction” showed that the Trump administration is willing to use direct force to remove leaders they dislike.

Now, the leaders in Iran are worried that they might be next. Trump himself mentioned that he is watching the situation in Iran “very closely.” The success in Venezuela has given his words a lot more weight in the eyes of the global community.+1

Who is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi has lived in exile in the United States for many decades. He is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last monarch of Iran. Many older Iranians remember the time of the Shah as a period of prosperity and peace. Pahlavi says he does not want to rule as a king but wants to help with a “stable transition” to democracy.

He envisions himself as a symbolic figure, similar to the King of the United Kingdom. His call for protests has clearly resonated with millions, but he still faces skepticism from some younger, secular activists.+2

A Nationwide Internet Blackout

In response to the massive rallies, the Iranian government has taken drastic steps. On Thursday night, a nationwide internet blackout hit the country. Monitoring groups confirmed that connectivity dropped to almost zero in many regions. This is a common tactic used by the regime to stop protesters from organizing and sharing videos.

However, even without the internet, the crowds continued to grow. People are using “old-fashioned” ways to communicate, showing that their desire for change is stronger than the government’s digital blocks.+1

The View from the White House

Vice President JD Vance has also voiced strong support for the Iranian people. He told reporters that the US stands by anyone seeking their “rights of free association.” The administration believes that the Iranian government should focus on real negotiations rather than silencing its citizens.

Vance emphasized that the US wants to see the Iranian people have their voices heard. This unified message from the White House shows that the US is fully behind the “spirit” of the protests, even if they aren’t picking a specific leader yet.+1

A Divided Opposition Movement

One reason Trump might be waiting to meet Pahlavi is the division within the Iranian opposition. While many love the Prince, others want a republic without any ties to the monarchy. There are many different groups, from student unions to labor leaders, who all have different visions for the future.

Trump’s strategy of letting a leader “emerge” allows the Iranian people to decide for themselves. He wants to avoid the mistake of “picking a winner” too early. This “strategic patience” could help ensure that the next government is truly supported by the public.+1

Economic Pressure and Free Fall

The economy in Iran is a major driver of the current unrest. The national currency, the rial, has fallen to record lows against the US dollar. Inflation is very high, making it hard for families to buy basic food and medicine. The United Nations reimposed tough sanctions on Iran in late 2025, which has made things even worse.

Protesters are shouting that they are tired of their money being spent on wars abroad while they struggle at home. This economic pain has turned a small spark of protest into a raging fire of revolution.+1 Iran’s Pahlavi

What Happens Next? Iran’s Pahlavi

The next few days will be critical for the future of Iran. Reza Pahlavi has thanked President Trump for his “strong leadership” and support. He believes that the President’s warnings give his people hope and strength. As the “final battle” for the streets continues, the world is waiting to see if the regime will back down. Iran’s Pahlavi

President Trump has made it clear that the US is ready to act if things get violent. Whether a meeting with the Crown Prince happens later remains to be seen, but for now, the focus is on the “brave people” of Iran.+3 Iran’s Pahlavi

Trump’s Refusal to Meet Reza Pahlavi

President Trump’s refusal to meet Reza Pahlavi right now is a carefully timed move. He is showing support for the Iranian people’s freedom without interfering in their choice of leader. By warning Tehran of “hell,” he is trying to prevent a tragedy during the protests. Iran’s Pahlavi

The situation in 2026 is moving very fast, and the influence of the “Crown Prince” is growing. As the internet remains dark in Iran, the light of the protests continues to shine. We must hope that the Iranian people find the peace and freedom they have been seeking for so long. Iran’s Pahlavi

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