Overview
- Trump told Reuters he would be fine with Reza Pahlavi leading if Iranians chose him, but he doubted Pahlavi could secure broad acceptance inside Iran.
- He said he was told on good authority that planned fast trials and executions had been paused, while warning of strong U.S. consequences for mass killings.
- Reuters reported the United States is pulling some personnel from Middle East bases as a precaution as tensions with Tehran escalate.
- Pahlavi’s Iran Prosperity Project, drafted with Washington-based Nufdi, sets a phased transition and has deepened opposition rifts, with critics citing his links to former Savak figure Parviz Sabeti.
- Rights groups report thousands killed in the crackdown as nationwide protests over economic collapse continue under severe restrictions.