Overview
- President Donald Trump said it would not be appropriate for him, as president, to meet Reza Pahlavi, telling The Hugh Hewitt Show he wants to see who emerges.
- Trump’s stance indicates the United States is not backing Pahlavi’s offer to lead a transition, even as he remains a prominent U.S.-based monarchist with ties to Israel.
- Iran is contending with nationwide protests tied to a severe economic downturn and a currency crash, with authorities imposing an internet shutdown on Thursday.
- Trump renewed a warning that the U.S. would hit Iran very hard if security forces begin killing protesters.
- Pahlavi thanked Trump and claimed millions protested on Thursday night, a figure not independently verified, while Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei posted defiant vows of resistance.