Overview
- At a Washington news conference, Reza Pahlavi said protesters asked him to lead and unveiled a 100-day stabilization plan built on principles including territorial integrity, secular governance, individual liberties, equality and a voter-chosen system.
- President Trump praised Pahlavi personally yet expressed doubt about his viability inside Iran and said a U.S. armada is moving toward the region, leaving the door open to possible military action.
- Human rights groups report that thousands were killed when security forces fired on demonstrators, and the nationwide protests that began in late December have largely subsided.
- Recent polling cited by researchers shows about 30% of Iranians strongly support Pahlavi, roughly 30% oppose him and the rest are undecided, as his name gained traction at rallies and across social media.
- Analysts say Pahlavi has no established organization inside Iran and faces friction from monarchist backers, with no major defections seen from the security forces even as Trump envoy Steve Witkoff has held talks with him.