Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism regarding Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi's capacity to unite support within Iran during an exclusive interview at the White House. Trump remarked that while Pahlavi “seems very nice,” he is uncertain about the extent of his influence in the country.
Pahlavi, 65, the son of Iran's last shah, has resided outside of Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He has emerged as a symbolic figure for many protesters amid the recent turmoil, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands due to a government crackdown. However, the Iranian opposition is notably fragmented, complicating any cohesive leadership.
On another front, Trump addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, declaring that he sees Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as the principal barrier to achieving a peace deal with Russia. He posited that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiations, but Zelenskiy has not yet consented to the proposed terms.
In response to criticism from fellow Republicans regarding the Justice Department’s investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, Trump urged party members to maintain loyalty, dismissing fears that his actions could exacerbate inflation.
Trump also spoke on the potential for the Iranian regime to collapse amidst the protests, stating that “any regime can fail,” and describing the upcoming period for Iran as “interesting,” given its unpredictable political landscape.
Additionally, Trump lauded Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez and is set to meet opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, whom he referred to as “a very nice woman,” indicating that their discussions would revolve around fundamental issues.
The interview further highlighted Trump’s perception of the U.S. economy, which he believes to be robust, citing strong job figures. He intends to communicate this positive outlook at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he plans to engage with leaders from Switzerland, Poland, and Egypt.
Overall, Trump's remarks showcase his cautious stance regarding Iran's opposition while reflecting broader concerns about international disputes and domestic political issues. He remains involved with a range of global and national matters as he navigates his second year in office.
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