Exiled Iranians Rally Behind Trump, Pahlavi at CPAC 2026
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DALLAS (AP) — A contingent of exiled Iranians gathered in Dallas this week to voice support for former U.S. President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi ahead of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2026.
The group, representing various factions of the Iranian diaspora, arrived in Texas on Wednesday to participate in the annual gathering of conservative activists and policymakers. Their presence marks a significant show of solidarity with Trump, who has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government, and Pahlavi, the grandson of the last Shah of Iran, who advocates for a democratic transition in his homeland.
Organizers of the event stated that the exiles aim to leverage the platform to highlight human rights abuses in Iran and push for policies that could destabilize the current regime. The gathering comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with the U.S. maintaining strict sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has not visited the United States in several years, is expected to address the conference on Thursday. His appearance is anticipated to draw significant attention from both supporters and critics within the Iranian community. Pahlavi has long been a symbol of hope for many Iranians seeking an end to the theocratic rule that has governed the country since the 1979 revolution.
Trump, who is not officially scheduled to speak at CPAC 2026, has been a frequent target of criticism from Iranian officials. His past administration imposed some of the harshest sanctions on Iran, which have continued to impact the country’s economy. The exiled Iranians see Trump’s potential return to the White House as a catalyst for change in their homeland.
The event in Dallas is part of a broader effort by the Iranian diaspora to influence U.S. policy toward Iran. Various groups within the community have different visions for Iran’s future, ranging from a constitutional monarchy to a secular democracy. The gathering in Texas is expected to showcase these diverse perspectives.
Security measures were heightened at the venue, with local law enforcement agencies coordinating with federal authorities to ensure the safety of attendees. No incidents were reported during the initial days of the conference.
As the conference continues, questions remain about the extent of influence the exiled Iranians will have on U.S. policy toward Iran. The outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections and the stance of the next administration will be critical in determining the future of U.S.-Iran relations.
The CPAC 2026 conference is set to conclude on Sunday, with several high-profile speakers and panel discussions scheduled throughout the week. The participation of exiled Iranians is expected to add a new dimension to the discussions on foreign policy and international relations.