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Associated Press·October 11, 2026
Trump says 'someone from within' Iranian regime might be best choice to lead once war ends
U.S. Position
Trump’s comments diminish expectations that Washington is preparing to install Pahlavi as Iran’s next leader. He pointed instead to a possible figure emerging from within the current system, although he did not identify a candidate.
Pahlavi’s Prospects
Pahlavi has campaigned from exile as a potential leader of a democratic transition if the Islamic Republic collapses. The remarks suggest that his international visibility has not translated into clear U.S. endorsement.
What Comes Next
The central uncertainty remains whether Iran’s political order survives the conflict and, if it does not, whether domestic actors or an exile opposition figure controls the transition.