U.S. and Israeli Strikes in Iran: The Uncertain Future of Leadership

Recent military strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces in Iran have raised critical questions about the future of leadership in the country. As tensions escalate, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former shah, emerges as a prominent opposition figure advocating for change. However, his influence within Iran remains uncertain, highlighting the complexities of potential leadership in a post-regime scenario. This article delves into the current situation and the challenges facing any successor to the Islamic Republic.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 22:48 IST

Military Actions and Their Implications

Recent military operations have seen U.S. and Israeli forces targeting significant locations within Iran, reportedly aiming at high-ranking officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Despite these actions, Iranian state media asserts that both leaders are safe and have been relocated to secure areas. In retaliation, Tehran has launched missile strikes aimed at American installations throughout the Middle East. This situation raises a pressing question: if the Islamic Republic were to collapse, who would take over?

Reza Pahlavi: The Opposition's Figurehead

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former shah overthrown in 1979, stands as the most prominent figure of the Iranian opposition abroad. He has dedicated his life to advocating for a secular and democratic Iran to replace the current clerical regime. Following the recent strikes, Pahlavi has been vocal, labeling the U.S. military actions as a "humanitarian intervention" and urging Iran's military to abandon the regime. He believes the Islamic Republic is on the verge of collapse and has called on Iranians to be ready to protest when the time is right.

However, there is a significant gap between recognition and actual influence. While Pahlavi is well-known, especially among the Iranian diaspora, his support within Iran is difficult to gauge. He has not returned to Iran in over forty years, and the legacy of the monarchy remains contentious among the populace. Analysts caution that being a well-known figure does not equate to having the necessary organizational strength to govern a nation of nearly 90 million people.