Axios reported that a secret meeting took place between US President’s special envoy Steven Witkoff and Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi who was overthrown in 1979. The details of the conversation have not been disclosed, but sources say they discussed the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran.
Reza Pahlavi, 65, who currently lives in the United States, is supporting protesters urging the takeover of Iran’s major cities. In an interview with Fox News on January 11, he said he is ready to return to Iran and is calling for tough measures to overthrow the Islamic Republic. Assessing Iran’s political situation, Pahlavi still considers himself an important political figure.
However, according to Axios, the US government had not viewed Pahlavi as a key player in the political process. Still, the fact that part of Iran’s protest movement supports him surprised officials in the Trump administration. The reported meeting with Witkoff suggests the White House’s attitude toward Reza Pahlavi may be shifting and that his potential political role is being reconsidered.
Mass protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, in Tehran’s bazaars. The movement started after many merchants closed their shops to protest hyperinflation and a sharp rise in prices. The demonstrations soon spread nationwide and turned into a political movement. According to human rights groups and Western media, hundreds of people have been killed during the protests.
US President Donald Trump issued a warning amid the escalating situation in Iran. He said that, taking advantage of the mass protests, even tougher military measures against Iran could be considered. The US has also imposed a 25% tariff on countries doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The US diplomatic mission in Iran also urged its citizens to “exit the system” and warned that the situation could further escalate.
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