On Feb. 28, Americans woke to the news of strikes across Iran by the U.S. and Israel. The strikes follow negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program and have killed many of Iran’s top leadership, including the long reigning supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

So, what comes next?

Weeks earlier, widespread protests erupted across Iran before being forcefully suppressed by the government, leading to thousands of deaths. Many protestors chanted “death to the dictator” and “long live the king,” calling for the return of Reza Pahlavi, son of the last king of Iran. Pahlavi has increasingly been viewed as a potential leader of a new democratic government.

Forty-seven years ago, the current Islamic government overthrew Iran’s monarchy. Now, Iranians may be calling for its return.

The son of a king

Fifty years ago, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the father of Reza Pahlavi.

Reza Pahlavi launched the “White Revolution,” a government project intended to improve infrastructure, build industries, eradicate diseases, improve literacy rates and give women the right to vote. However, his rule would create many enemies.

Many believed his reforms didn’t go far enough. Many fundamentalists believed the reforms drew away from Islam and westernized Iran. SAVAK, the shah’s secret police, cracked down on these dissenters.

As protests grew, terrorists locked the doors of a theater and set it on fire. Five hundred people died and many believed SAVAK was behind it. A month later, security forces fired on protestors in Tehran, killing hundreds.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, an exiled cleric who wanted to turn Iran into an Islamic state, emerged as the leader of the revolution, uniting the multiple factions. From exile, he began sending messages to supporters in Iran, fueling opposition.

Failing to compromise with the people and losing American support, Shah Pahlavi left Iran in January 1979 for “vacation.” He never returned.

Khomeini returned to Iran and established a fundamentalist Islamic republic. His new government imposed strict Islamic law, including the infamous veiling of women, complete reversal of the shah’s acts and executing those who opposed him.

Since then, the U.S. has been at odds with Iran.

Iran’s strategic value

Under the shah, U.S. foreign policy had considered Iran part of its “twin pillars” strategy. Saudi Arabia and Iran, as regional powers, would work with the U.S. to ensure peace in the Middle East with American support.

Iran is still a major player in the Middle East. They’ve built loose ties across the region in what has been called the “Axis of Resistance.” This includes funding several rebel groups such as the Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas.

The country also strategically controls the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil passes everyday.

Iran is also part of BRICS, a loose collective of countries that seek to counterbalance U.S. dominance. Replacing regimes with a Western-friendly government flips a key piece of the BRICS’ growing influence in the Middle East.

What’s next for Iran?

Many are critical of Trump’s unclear plan for the future of Iran. In his Truth Social address, Trump called for Iranians to take control of their government.

This, along with a hesitancy to commit American forces, signals a distanced approach to replacing Iran’s government. But America’s history in the Middle East has shown the risks of toppling a government with no succession plan and could further destabilize the region.

But unlike previous interventions, this one may be different, with one strong contender who could unite a free Iran.

At the center of the U.S. intervention is Reza Pahlavi, who many believe would head a new Iranian government. As the son of the overthrown shah, it’s possible that he could restore the Iranian monarchy.

But does he have what it takes?

Could Reza Pahlavi become the next leader of Iran?

Reza Pahlavi was born in 1960 and became the crown prince of Iran, destined for the throne. At 17, he left to train as a fighter pilot in the U.S. His father would be overthrown a year later. Since then, Reza Pahlavi has been in exile, residing in the U.S. with his family.

So could he become Iran’s next leader? Many have doubts.

Although Reza Pahlavi has been a rallying point for many Iranians, he has failed to form a united coalition, attacking some of the other prominent members of the Iranian opposition.

Iran itself is a country with 92 million people and various ethnic minorities. A study shows that only a third of Iranians strongly support Reza Pahlavi, while another third strongly oppose him, with the last third remaining lukewarm. If Reza Pahlavi emerges as the leader of a new government, he must unite the country’s various political and ethnic groups.

Another critic believes Reza Pahlavi lacks the boldness to lead. He says Reza Pahlavi fears echoing his father, so he’s adopted a “hands off” approach to leadership.

Others point to how Reza Pahlavi has been waiting 50 years to become Iran’s next leader but has done little to demonstrate his capability.

However, many are split over what Reza Pahlavi’s role in the new government would actually be. Some support a return to the monarchy, while others want Reza Pahlavi to lead a new republic.

What has Reza Pahlavi said?

Reza Pahlavi himself has stated his goal is for Iran to become a secular, democratic government and that he is ready to lead the transitional government. He plans to hold a referendum for the people to decide what comes next. He said that the day after that referendum is held, “that’s the end of (his) mission in life.”

Reza Pahlavi hasn’t ruled out a return to the monarchy, but he believes that it should be up to the Iranian people to decide, not him.

If Reza Pahlavi is to become the next leader of a democratic Iran, he has many hurdles to overcome. He must unite a broken opposition and an even larger, diverse country. He must crack down on the weakest links of his own organization and of a future Iranian government.

Despite his flaws, Reza Pahlavi remains the foremost symbol of a new, democratic Iran and the potential for peace and stability in the Middle East. Whether he lives up to the powerful name he has inherited is yet to be seen.