Donald Trump, the President of the United States, in an interview with Reuters published on Wednesday, responded to a question about Mr. Reza Pahlavi, the leader of monarchists, saying: "He seems like a really good guy, but I don't know how he will act within his own country." Trump stated, "And we really haven't reached that stage yet." Trump mentioned that he has not spoken with Mr. Pahlavi. He said that the Islamic Republic of Iran might fall as a result of the protests, but in reality, "any regime can fall." He added, "Whether [the Islamic Republic] falls or not, it will be an interesting time period." On Thursday, January 8, 2025, during the twelfth day of nationwide protests and strikes in Iran, Trump warned the Islamic Republic again about killing protesters. The interviewer asked the President of the United States, "Will you meet with Crown Prince Pahlavi, who is the heir to the constitutional monarchy? He does not want to rule. He will be a symbolic ruler like King Charles." Trump replied: "Well, I have been watching him, and he seems like a good guy." Trump added: "But I'm not sure that doing this right now as President [of the U.S.] is appropriate. I think we should let everyone go out and see who [comes out of the protests]. I'm not sure that necessarily this [meeting] is the right thing to do." The President of the United States also responded to the interviewer's question, "What about Iran? Is the goal regarding Iran the collapse of that terrible 47-year-old dictatorship?" He said: "Well, I don't want to say that, but I will tell you that they [the Islamic Republic] are not doing well, and you probably know that better than anyone else." President Trump urged American citizens and Washington's allies to leave Iran. NBC reported, citing informed officials: Trump is calling for a swift and decisive blow to the Islamic Republic. The Iranian Foreign Minister stated that "only a few hundred" have been killed in anti-government protests; a Fox News host challenged Zarif. The U.S. Treasury Secretary regarding the Islamic Republic: We are rapidly approaching the final stage of a plan that Trump initiated upon entering the White House. Trump spoke of the people's eagerness to overthrow the Islamic Republic; international solidarity with the people of Iran. Donald Trump: We must see who comes out of the protests in Iran.
Trump: The Islamic Republic of Iran May Fall Due to Protests
Donald Trump expressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran may fall due to ongoing protests and indicated uncertainty about the role of Reza Pahlavi, the monarchist leader. He warned about the regime's actions against protesters and called for American citizens to leave Iran. This statement reflects Trump's ongoing interest in Iranian politics and the potential for regime change.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Donald Trump suggested that the Islamic Republic of Iran might fall due to ongoing protests, while expressing uncertainty about Reza Pahlavi's role. He also warned the Iranian regime against harming protesters and advised Americans to leave Iran.
- Trump has not spoken with Reza Pahlavi but acknowledges his symbolic significance.
- Trump's administration is nearing the final stage of a plan concerning Iran, hinting at potential regime change.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has been experiencing widespread protests due to economic hardship and political repression, challenging the authority of the Islamic Republic.
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