Cyprus Times

Axios: Witkof Secret Meeting with Pahlavi - Trump Cautious

Published January 13, 2026, 21:04
Axios: Witkof Secret Meeting with Pahlavi - Trump Cautious

Steve Witkof, the US envoy to the Middle East, held a secret meeting with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former heir to the Iranian throne, following the protests in Iran that have claimed the lives of over 2,000 citizens. The meeting marks the first informal contact between the Iranian opposition and the US government. Pahlavi seeks to position himself as a potential transitional leader in the event of the regime's collapse, while Washington is considering possible diplomatic or military interventions. Donald Trump, via a social media post, called on Iranians to continue their fight against the regime, promising assistance. However, Trump himself appeared cautious towards Pahlavi, stating that his administration did not consider him a significant factor when the protests erupted, but noted the increasing mention of his name by protesters. Reza Pahlavi, son of the Shah overthrown in 1979, leads an opposition group from exile. According to analysts, such as Karim Sadjadpour, Pahlavi serves as a symbol of nationalistic sentiment for protesters, contrasting with the regime's Islamic radicalism. Many protesters, born after the revolution, harbor a nostalgia for a time they did not experience, with economic growth and social freedom. Polls indicate that approximately one-third of Iranians support Pahlavi, while a similar percentage strongly reject him. The situation in Iran remains tense, with relentless repression and fears that the death toll exceeds 12,000. The Foreign Ministry has issued a travel advisory for the immediate departure from Iran and the avoidance of any travel.