Clutching at shahs: Iran’s would-be revolutionary - The Economist Podcasts Recap

Podcast: The Economist Podcasts

Published: 2026-01-16

Duration: 27 minutes

Guests: Reza Pahlavi

Summary

Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, believes he is poised to lead Iran through a revolution, despite skepticism about his capabilities and America's wavering support for intervention.

What Happened

Reza Pahlavi, the son of the deposed Shah of Iran, sees himself as the potential leader for a post-Islamic Republic Iran. His name has been chanted by protesters throughout Iran, reflecting a nostalgic desire for a return to monarchy. However, Pahlavi is viewed by some as inexperienced, with doubts about his ability to manage a complex country like Iran.

The episode explores the challenges Pahlavi faces, including the necessity of American intervention to prevent further bloodshed in Iran. He is campaigning for military intervention to overthrow the Islamic Republic, believing it to be essential for the protection of protesters.

Despite these efforts, there is uncertainty, as President Trump initially seemed supportive of intervention but later stepped back, claiming that killings in Iran were stopping. Pahlavi was visibly shocked by this reversal, highlighting the volatile nature of international support.

The episode also considers the stability of the current Iranian regime, which is implicated in significant bloodshed, making a peaceful transition unlikely. The fear of civil war looms if the regime collapses without a clear successor.

Pahlavi envisions a transitional government that could manage Iran's affairs until a referendum decides between a monarchy and a republic. However, skepticism remains about whether he can unite the country and manage the transition effectively.

In addition to discussing Pahlavi, the episode delves into the financial decision between renting and buying a home, concluding that renting is now more advantageous in many parts of the world due to high mortgage rates.

Lastly, the episode features an obituary for Aldrich Ames, a former CIA officer who sold secrets to the Soviet Union, resulting in significant damage to American intelligence operations. His motivations were financial rather than ideological, driven by personal debts and a lavish lifestyle.

Key Insights

• Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last Shah, is seen by some protesters as a potential leader for a post-Islamic Republic Iran, but his lack of political experience raises doubts about his capability to manage the country's complexities.
• The necessity for American intervention in Iran is debated, with Pahlavi advocating for military action to protect protesters, though international support remains uncertain due to shifting U.S. policies.
• The current Iranian regime's involvement in significant bloodshed makes a peaceful transition unlikely, with fears of a civil war if the regime collapses without a clear successor.
• Renting a home is becoming more advantageous than buying in many parts of the world due to high mortgage rates, shifting the financial decision-making landscape for potential homeowners.