Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi was warmly received at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas. He warned that negotiating with Iran’s current leadership would only buy time for regime threats against Americans. Citing President Trump’s recent comments on continuing attacks on Iran, Pahlavi stated that negotiations would mean avoiding confrontation every two years.
Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former Shah, called himself the most viable option to lead a transitional government and expressed readiness to return to Iran at the earliest opportunity. However, his leadership is uncertain due to internal opposition divisions and skepticism from Trump about Pahlavi being the best choice.
With rising global energy prices and declining approval ratings for Trump, he faces tough choices after a month of war with Iran: strike a fragile deal or risk escalating into a prolonged conflict. Pahlavi linked his cause to American security and business interests, promising vast economic opportunities if Iran becomes free. Iranian Americans in the audience chanted “long live the king,” echoing Pahlavi’s call for nationwide protests in January and future efforts to reclaim their homeland, dignity, and future.