Reza Pahlavi, former heir to the Iran throne, wowed a standing-room only crowd of CPAC USA 2026 delegates. The annual conference, held this year in Grapevine, Tex. Pahlavi, one of the most influential opposition figures in the Iranian diaspora, issued his statements barely a month after the U.S. and Israel agreed to initiate coordinated military strikes against the Islamic Republic. His words made clear that time was of the essence.
Ever since, the former crown prince expelled from Iran by the 1979 revolution has cultivated a robust and fervent youth following. Today, his followers unashamedly wave his face and Iran’s pre-revolutionary flag at demonstrations across the world. His government policy speech at CPAC will be a historic occasion. He is not only positioning himself as the voice of change in Iran, he’s trying to re-frame the discourse to reach conservative audiences in the US.
With the crowd cheering him on, Pahlavi proclaimed during his speech, “This regime in its totally has to leave.” Above all else, he stressed on a hope of a free and changed Iran that matches the ideals of democracy and freedom. His provocative statement was just what the doctor ordered for many in attendance, who brought him on stage with a boisterous reception and a standing ovation.
From his freewheeling first answer, Pahlavi was able to convey a positive and aspirational vision. He compared the current regime’s anti-American rhetoric with a longing for a more hopeful future. “Can you imagine Iran going from ‘Death to America’ to ‘God Bless America’?” he asked the crowd, clearly articulating a desire for improved relations with the West.
Pahlavi pointed himself at the Trump Administration with his remarks, matching himself with former President Donald Trump’s “America First” slogan. He announced, “President Trump is making America great again. I plan to make Iran great again.” Not surprisingly, a few conservatives have latched onto this feel-good theme. They look at him as a kind of hopeful, putative replacement for the current Iranian regime. Trump has previously downplayed Pahlavi’s chances of playing a central role in Iran’s future should the current regime collapse, indicating that his popularity within Iran remains limited.
Once a self-styled crown prince and main figurehead of the Iranian diaspora, Pahlavi remains committed to galvanizing change. His engagement in CPAC provides a key example of his commitment to winning over key support from America’s political elite. Challenges remain, particularly when it comes to shifting moods in Iran. Pahlavi’s commitment to overthrowing the current regime and returning Iran to its historical status definitely appeals to many segments of the American public.
