According to Axios, President Donald Trump did not attend the meeting that took place on January 13. A source from the publication noted that discussions are at an early stage and that military action against Iran is not currently being considered.
Changes in the perception of Pahlavi
At the beginning of the protests, the Trump administration did not view Reza Pahlavi as a significant political figure. In an interview last week, Trump declined to support him as a potential successor. However, after protesters began chanting his name, the administration was surprised by this support, according to a senior American official.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed in closed meetings that the administration is currently considering non-military measures to support the protesters.
Trump supports the protesters
On the same day, Trump urged Iranian protesters to "keep fighting" and "take control" of government institutions, adding that "help is on the way." He also advised U.S. citizens to leave Iran. On January 2, Trump stated on social media that the U.S. would intervene if Iranian forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators. According to Trump's press secretary, the president is considering various options for action against Iran, including possible airstrikes, but the diplomatic approach remains a priority.
On January 12, Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on all countries that trade with Iran. Key trading partners of the Islamic Republic include India, China, and Turkey.
Reza Pahlavi is ready to return to Iran
On the Sunday Morning Futures program, which aired on January 11 on Fox News, Reza Pahlavi expressed his readiness to return to Iran amid the ongoing protests and called for active actions from the U.S. He stated that he has already begun forming a transitional team.
"You have already established yourself as a leader who supports peace and the fight against evil," he noted, addressing Trump. "Iranians are renaming streets in your honor because they know you will not leave them in trouble," he added.
After the overthrow of his father, Mohammad Pahlavi, 64-year-old Reza has been living in the U.S. and advocating for regime change in Iran. Journalist Moloud Hajizadeh notes that he has become a symbol of hope for many Iranians, reminding them of a brighter time.
Protests in Iran
Mass protests against the Iranian government began on December 28, 2025, amid a worsening economic situation. Despite harsh measures from security forces and internet shutdowns, protesters took to the streets of Tehran and other cities. They expressed their dissatisfaction by banging pots and chanting slogans against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while drivers honked their horns in support.
