In recent developments, the discourse surrounding Iran’s political future continues to intensify, particularly among its diaspora. At a recent right-wing summit in the United States, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, passionately advocated for regime change in Iran while rallying support for a hawkish U.S. foreign policy, mirroring the sentiments of many Iranians seeking transformation in their homeland.
Amid ongoing turmoil regarding the stability of Iran’s government, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former shah, addressed attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas on March 28, 2026. His appearance at this prominent right-wing gathering was marked by fervent applause as he encouraged U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid negotiating with Iran, advocating instead for a push toward regime change.
Pahlavi expressed his aspiration for a future where Iran would transition from a nation that once chanted “Death to America” to one that embraces a more amicable relationship with the United States, stating, “Can you imagine Iran going from ‘Death to America’ to ‘God Bless America’?” He positioned himself as a potential leader for a renewed Iran, resonating with attendees who displayed the pre-revolutionary Iranian flag and passionately declared, “Long live the king!”
His remarks coincided with the ongoing conflict initiated by U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, which have resulted in serious casualties and turmoil, with reports suggesting nearly 1,937 Iranians dead and tens of thousands injured. Despite the tragic toll, Pahlavi emerged as a key opposition figure among Iranians abroad, advocating for a united effort against what he described as a repressive regime.
While Pahlavi used the platform to voice support for the U.S. administration’s military strategy, concerns within the Iranian diaspora surfaced regarding the potential ramifications of the U.S.-Israeli attacks. Many observers, including analysts and exiled voices, warned that the Iranian government may not only survive this turmoil but could emerge more emboldened. This sentiment was echoed by political commentators who noted that Pahlavi’s alignment with the hawkish elements of the Trump administration might alienate portions of the Iranian population.
Pahlavi’s aspirations, however, were met with skepticism by some, including Trump himself, who noted that someone with a more substantial base of support within Iran might be better suited to lead in the event of governmental change.
Divides within the U.S. political spectrum regarding the military engagement in Iran were evident at CPAC, as polling indicated that while many Republican voters support the attacks, a significant portion of the overall electorate opposes them. Recent surveys revealed that while 71 percent of Republican voters endorsed the strikes on Iran, 59 percent of voters, irrespective of party affiliation, were against the military action. Voices of dissent, such as those from younger conservative activists, emerged, critiquing what they perceived as a deviation from America First policies championed by Trump.
As the situation continues to develop, the future landscape of Iran remains uncertain, with Pahlavi’s narrative seeking to galvanize support for change while starkly contrasting with the complex realities faced by everyday Iranians during this tumultuous period.
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