US official held secret talks with Iran shah's exiled son: report

A senior US envoy held a secret meeting over the weekend with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last monarch, as Washington seeks to navigate the deepening political crisis in Tehran. The previously undisclosed talks, reported by the US news outlet Axios, represent the most significant contact between the Trump administration and a prominent figure from the Iranian opposition since nationwide protests erupted in late December.

A Strategic Contact as Protests Rage

According to a report citing a senior US official, the meeting took place between Steve Witkoff, the US Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East, and Pahlavi. Discussions reportedly focused on the ongoing protests inside Iran, now entering their third week. The talks are seen as an effort by Washington to explore potential political scenarios and lines of communication with figures who could play a role if the current Iranian government's position becomes untenable. Pahlavi, who lives in exile, has long positioned himself as a potential transitional leader.

Washington's Evolving Posture on Iran

This covert diplomatic channel opens as public rhetoric from the White House grows increasingly confrontational. President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced support for the protesters, urging them to "seize government buildings" and promising that "help is on the way." The administration has also issued stark warnings against the execution of detained demonstrators, threatening "very strong action." The secret meeting with Pahlavi suggests a parallel, more calculated strategy is being developed alongside the public statements, assessing alternatives to the current clerical leadership.

The Context of Iran's Unprecedented Unrest

The protests, ignited by a catastrophic currency collapse at Tehran's Grand Bazaar on December 28, have since evolved into the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in years, spreading to all 31 provinces. The government has responded with a severe crackdown, an internet blackout, and accusations that the US and Israel are orchestrating the unrest. While Pahlavi has support among some diaspora communities, his influence inside Iran remains difficult to gauge. The secret talks indicate Washington is actively mapping the opposition landscape during a period of historic volatility.