Trump Says ‘Somebody From Within’ Iran More Appropriate to Lead Than Son of Late Shah

The late shah’s son, Reza Pahlavi, has said he would be willing to lead a transition into democracy.
Trump Says ‘Somebody From Within’ Iran More Appropriate to Lead Than Son of Late Shah
President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office at the White House on June 5, 2025. Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images
Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
|Updated:

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the next leader of Iran should be a person “from within,” amid speculation that the exiled son of the late shah could be tapped for the role.

There has been speculation that Reza Pahlavi, the heir of the House of Pahlavi that formerly led Iran, could return to the country and lead it after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. airstrikes over the weekend. Pahlavi, former crown prince and the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, recently said he would want to lead Iran in a transition to democracy if the current regime collapses.

Jack Phillips
Jack Phillips
Breaking News Reporter
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter who covers a range of topics, including politics, U.S., and health news. A father of two, Jack grew up in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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