President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi could effectively lead Iran if the current Islamic regime collapses.

In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Trump addressed the escalating anti-regime protests in Iran as well as the brutal government crackdown that has resulted in over 2,500 deaths, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. He also warned of "strong action" if Iran proceeds with executing protesters. Trump noted uncertainty about Pahlavi’s potential acceptance within Iran while acknowledging the ongoing unrest and the deadly suppression of demonstrators.

While the protests rage on, questions linger about how the international community should respond to the complex situation.

Protests Erupt Against Khamenei’s Rule

Amid the turmoil, Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, has emerged as a symbolic figure for many protesters. Exiled in the United States since 1978, before the 1979 Iranian Revolution ousted his father, Pahlavi has urged demonstrators to persist despite the repression. He’s framed the struggle in stark terms, calling it "a war," according to the Washington Examiner.

Pahlavi has also sought to rally international support, including from Trump himself. In an NBC News interview, he clarified his role, saying, "I didn’t ask the people to come to the streets to fight against the regime because I wanted to."

His words suggest a reluctant leadership, thrust upon him by a desperate populace.

Trump’s Hesitation on Pahlavi’s Leadership

Trump, for his part, has been cautious about throwing full support behind Pahlavi. While describing him as "very nice," the president questioned how Pahlavi would be received inside Iran, stating, "I don’t know how he’d play within his own country." It’s a fair point—decades in exile don’t automatically translate to credibility on the ground.

Trump also emphasized the timing, noting that discussions of new leadership might be premature. The focus, he seems to suggest, should remain on the protesters’ immediate plight rather than speculative succession plans. This restraint shows a pragmatic streak, even if some might wish for bolder rhetoric.

On the issue of potential executions, Trump vowed to keep a close watch, warning of consequences if Iran crosses that line. He’s made it clear the U.S. won’t stand idly by while dissenters face the gallows. It’s a firm stance, though details on what "strong action" entails remain vague.

Iran’s Regime Signals Mixed Messages

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi has floated the idea of negotiations, insisting they must be "fair, with equal rights and mutual respect." It’s a curious olive branch from a regime knee-deep in bloodshed—more likely a stalling tactic than a genuine offer. Actions, not words, will tell the true story here.

Araghchi also claimed Iran is "not looking for war, but we are prepared for war." That’s a predictable line, meant to project strength while deflecting blame for the violence at home. It’s the kind of doublespeak that’s kept this regime in power for decades.

Back to Pahlavi—his push for relevance is understandable, given his family’s history and the protesters’ need for a unifying voice. Yet, Trump’s hesitation raises valid concerns about whether a figure so long removed from Iran can bridge the gap between exile and reality. It’s a gamble, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Balancing Support and Caution in Crisis

Trump’s pledge to "help" the protesters is a welcome signal that the U.S. won’t abandon those risking their lives for freedom. But help must be strategic, not just symbolic, lest it inflame an already volatile situation. The last thing needed is another Middle East quagmire born of hasty decisions.

As this crisis unfolds, the balance between supporting Iranian aspirations and avoiding overreach is delicate. The regime’s brutality is undeniable, but so is the complexity of installing a new leader from afar. For now, the focus must be on protecting lives and amplifying the voices of those on the ground.