Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Iran’s last shah, has reemerged as a potential figure in Iran’s uncertain political future following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Pahlavi was just 16 when the 1979 Islamic Revolution toppled his father, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ending decades of monarchy. He has lived in exile in the United States ever since.
On March 9, Iran's Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, as the new Supreme Leader. However, he has not been seen or released a statement since he was appointed, leading to rumors that he may be seriously injured or incapacitated.
Outside Iran, some commentators have pointed to Pahlavi as a symbolic alternative, with speculation that he could receive backing from Western or Israeli leaders. Analysts note there is no organized political structure inside Iran currently positioned to install him.
As Iran sustains brutal bombardment from the US and Israel, Pahlavi’s name has once again entered the conversation. Click through this gallery to learn more about who he is and why some see him as a possible future leader of Iran.