Trump’s Pledge to Aid Iranian Protesters Prompts Crown Prince’s Call for Regime Collapse
Updated (2 articles)
Reza Pahlavi Endorses Trump’s Commitment to Iranian Protesters Reza Pahlavi told reporters that President Donald Trump “is a man of his word,” welcomed the president’s promise to act, and argued that U.S. intervention would hasten the collapse of Iran’s ruling regime, which he believes is already finished even without external help [1]. He framed the potential U.S. action as a means to save lives amid the ongoing crackdown [1]. Pahlavi’s statements aim to position the exiled heir as a viable alternative should the theocratic system fall [1].
Trump Publicly Labels Demonstrators Patriots and Promises Assistance Earlier in January, Trump called the Iranian demonstrators “patriots,” urged them to “take over your institutions,” and posted on Truth Social that “help is on the way” [1]. He hinted at a punitive U.S. response if Iranian authorities continued killing protesters [1]. These remarks marked a sharp escalation in Trump’s rhetoric toward the Iranian unrest [1].
U.S. Naval Deployment Increases Tensions Around Iranian Unrest The nuclear‑powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several destroyers moved toward the Middle East, with Trump telling reporters aboard Air Force One that many ships were heading “just in case” while he preferred to avoid direct conflict [1]. An unnamed senior Iranian official told Reuters the U.S. movements were “not intended for real confrontation,” yet President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any aggression against the supreme leader would amount to war with Iran [1]. The deployment underscores the heightened risk of a broader confrontation [1].
Death Toll Estimates Rise Amid Ongoing Investigations and Political Claims The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported close to 4,500 demonstrators killed, with more than 17,000 suspected deaths still under investigation and some estimates reaching 30,000; Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged “several thousand” deaths [1]. Trump claimed on Jan. 14 that the violence had stopped, a statement Pahlavi disputed, and on Jan. 15 Trump told Reuters he was unsure whether Iranians would accept Pahlavi’s leadership after a regime collapse, describing the crown prince as “very nice” but uncertain of his acceptance [1].
Timeline
Jan 2, 2026 – Reza Pahlavi thanks President Donald Trump on X, saying Trump’s “warning to Iran’s leadership gives us strength and hope” as protests intensify [2].
Jan 2, 2026 – The Iranian rial plunges to a record low of about 1.42 million per dollar, spiking food prices and coinciding with at least seven protester deaths [2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Demonstrations spread from Tehran to rural provinces, with traders closing shops and crowds chanting anti‑government slogans [2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Former parliament speaker Ali Larijani warns that U.S. interference would destabilize the region and undermine American interests [2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Trump posts on Truth Social, stating “if Iran shoots or violently harms peaceful protesters, the United States will intervene,” and criticizes Iran’s weak economy [2].
Jan 2, 2026 – Pahlavi urges a U.S.-led transition, calling for a reset of relations to “restore peace and prosperity” and claiming he has a popular plan for a stable transition [2].
Early Jan 2026 – Trump labels Iranian demonstrators “patriots,” urges them to “take over your institutions,” and promises “help is on the way” [1].
Jan 14, 2026 – Trump tells reporters he has been informed the killing in Iran has stopped, a claim disputed by Pahlavi [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – In a Reuters interview, Trump says he is unsure whether Iranians would accept Pahlavi’s leadership after a regime collapse, describing the crown prince as “very nice” but questioning his acceptance [1].
Jan 25, 2026 – Pahlavi declares Trump “a man of his word,” welcomes his commitment, and says U.S. action would hasten the regime’s collapse and save lives, though he adds the regime is already finished [1].
Jan 25, 2026 – The nuclear‑powered carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several destroyers move toward the Middle East; Trump says many ships head “just in case” while he prefers to avoid conflict [1].
Jan 25, 2026 – HRANA reports close to 4,500 demonstrators killed, over 17,000 suspected deaths under investigation, with some estimates up to 30,000; Supreme Leader Khamenei acknowledges “several thousand” deaths [1].
Jan 25, 2026 – An unnamed senior Iranian official tells Reuters the U.S. military movements are “not intended for real confrontation,” while President Masoud Pezeshkian warns any aggression would be tantamount to war [1].
All related articles (2 articles)
External resources (2 links)
- https://x.com/PahlaviReza/status/2007139691494084909 (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/drpezeshkian (cited 1 times)