DALLAS, Texas - Iranian exile prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran's last shah, received standing ovations when he spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas on March 29, 2026, according to Swedish media reports. The 65-year-old opposition leader in exile reportedly promised religious freedom and protection for Christians in Iran during his speech, which occurred approximately four weeks after U.S. and Israeli bombings began against Iran.
Pahlavi, who lives in Washington D.C., spoke about a secular, democratic Iran and the end of the regime in Tehran. He reportedly borrowed former President Donald Trump's famous slogan, telling the audience he wanted to "Make Iran great again," which was met with thunderous applause from the crowd.
He is our hope for a free Iran
Among those in attendance was Mana Ghavvas, 32, who traveled from Sweden specifically to see Pahlavi. "He is our hope for a free Iran," Ghavvas told reporters. However, not all attendees were supportive. Mohammadreza Hesami, 32, a Texas resident, expressed skepticism about Pahlavi's democratic promises and noted that some supporters had transformed the conference into what felt like a campaign rally.
The speech came amid ongoing tensions in the region, with reports indicating that Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei had been killed in the bombings and his son had taken over. Pahlavi reportedly positioned himself as a transitional figure rather than seeking to become Iran's next leader, promising free elections once the current regime is removed from power.