Iranian exile factions vie for US leaders’ blessing to lead Iran

The Guardian US News
by Aram Roston and Cate Brown
March 11, 2026
2 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Iranian exile groups seek US leaders' backing to position themselves for future leadership in Iran.

AI Summary

Iranian exile factions are actively seeking endorsement from U.S. leaders to position themselves for future leadership in Iran. Figures associated with the "Maga world" are reportedly supporting Maryam Rajavi, leader of the MEK, and Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran. This dynamic mirrors the competition among Iraqi exiles for U.S. backing prior to the 2003 Iraq War, as noted by Bloomberg in 2002. The current situation indicates a developing landscape of potential leadership contenders for Iran, influenced by U.S. political factions.

What's Being Done

Iranian exile factions are actively seeking endorsement from U.S. leaders for future leadership in Iran.

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Trump administration denounces CNN for airing messages from Iranian leaders - AP News
Politics

Trump administration denounces CNN for airing messages from Iranian leaders - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipwFBVV95cUxNRTlsd1VuRXNUUmNBbmRYOWttTndjbi1tNjI4OG15cHJSMGdMQTZGRTltNUk1eFUtM24xbjdlTXNFUXZVMEhURzRGT016WWZCZnN0VmFQcVRaYTFOSkVoZmpVU3p3c0ppNDhaZGxXd0tWWi1iTmNIQjljVmdZVlRXd2MwMzlUS2IzLUpvdmd2cUpzX3ZlOHRpVWdhcklfa3ZnTlNQbmlQQQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump administration denounces CNN for airing messages from Iranian leaders</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 13
Michael Leiter on Iran leadership: "Pragmatists are very limited in their ability to influence"
Global

Michael Leiter on Iran leadership: "Pragmatists are very limited in their ability to influence"

Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter told "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" that when talking about the Iranian leadership pipeline, Americans have to remember that "pragmatists have been very limited in their ability to influence in Iran" because "the people influencing deciding for Iran are these ayatollahs."

CBS NewsMar 8
Trump discourages Iranian soccer team from attending the World Cup, citing safety concerns
Global

Trump discourages Iranian soccer team from attending the World Cup, citing safety concerns

Iranian leaders said earlier this week that it's "not possible" for the country to participate in the World Cup.

PBS NewsHourMar 12
Why are Iranian leaders sending mixed messages on Gulf attacks?
National Security

Why are Iranian leaders sending mixed messages on Gulf attacks?

Attacks on the Gulf continue as President Pezeshkian's remarks receive pushback from the powerful IRGC.

Al JazeeraMar 8
World leaders eye oil reserves, but so far hold off on tapping them - AP News
Global

World leaders eye oil reserves, but so far hold off on tapping them - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiggFBVV95cUxQbWI0VVFtMGRvLXFLaHBDMGdaMG92VXVYRk9DV2N1VHBkMENCbWUyb0tCVmZvLVluQjc2bG44MHJVaHliQktVNm85TmlhZVBDdnZxYjMxVnozQlloUGl0aDJJYm95WFpFYTFkMC1Sc2RFRWxpbW9MWlJBTzVNSWpRNUxR?oc=5" target="_blank">World leaders eye oil reserves, but so far hold off on tapping them</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 9
Hegseth claims Iran's new supreme leader is "wounded and likely disfigured"
National Security

Hegseth claims Iran's new supreme leader is "wounded and likely disfigured"

<p>Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Friday that Iran's new supreme leader, <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/08/mojtaba-khamenei-iran-supreme-leader" target="_blank">Mojtaba Khamenei</a>, is "wounded and likely disfigured."</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Hegseth's claim was the first official statement by the Trump administration about Khamenei's health since he was named the country's leader.</p><hr><ul><li>"Iran's leadership is in no better shape. Desperate and hiding they have gone underground, cowering. That's what rats do. We know the new so-called not-so-supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured," Hegseth told reporters at a briefing.</li></ul><p><strong>Behind the scenes:</strong> President Trump told G7 leaders in a virtual meeting on Wednesday that Khamenei "is not in good shape," according to a source with knowledge of the call.</p><ul><li>"Nobody knows who is the leader, so there is no one that can announce surrender," <a href="https://www.axios.c...

AxiosMar 13
Read Next
Israel’s Deadly Blockade Traps 7 U.S. Doctors in Gaza
Global

Israel’s Deadly Blockade Traps 7 U.S. Doctors in Gaza

Doctors who went to Gaza said Israel’s suspension of travel puts vulnerable patients at risk after years of genocide. The post Israel’s Deadly Blockade Traps 7 U.S. Doctors in Gaza appeared first on The Intercept .

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources