Iran Opposition Says U.S. Failed To Exploit Regime Weakness
Sign up for our free newsletter
Subscribe to the America Report Updates to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.
The exiled Iran opposition says the United States missed a historic opportunity. In a press briefing with international reporters, Cameron Khansarinia, Chief of Staff to Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, said Washington failed to fully exploit the weakness of the Islamic Republic after months of war.
His warning came as President Donald Trump pushes a ceasefire and possible deal with Tehran after more than 100 days of conflict. For Pahlavi’s team, the problem is simple: the U.S. had the regime under intense pressure — but stopped short.
Khansarinia said the Iranian people initially drew hope from U.S. signals that “help is on the way.” That hope grew after the killing of Ali Khamenei and U.S. strikes on the regime’s repressive forces, including the IRGC and Basij.
But then came the frustration.
“The United States is not going all the way,” Khansarinia said.
Regime Was ‘On The Verge Of Collapse’
Khansarinia said Pahlavi’s team had received reports from inside Iran that regime security forces and officials felt they were close to breaking in the days before the initial ceasefire.
“They were on the verge of collapse,” he said.
According to Khansarinia, those officials “couldn’t believe their luck” when the United States and others stopped the military pressure campaign.
His conclusion was blunt: Washington “did not take advantage of the weakness of the Islamic Republic.”
That is now the core accusation from the opposition: Trump may have won a ceasefire, but he may also have saved the regime at the moment of maximum vulnerability.
Opposition Not Directly Consulted
In response to a question by America Report, Khansarinia said Pahlavi’s team has been in contact with foreign counterparts, including the United States, and has consistently shared its views.
But he added: “We have not been consulted directly on these negotiations.”
That means the exiled opposition remains outside the formal talks, even as it argues that any deal with Tehran cannot solve Iran’s real crisis. Khansarinia said the Iranian people see the current path as a missed chance to help them liberate their country.
Even if a deal is signed, he said, it will not deliver what Iranians want: freedom, justice and dignity.
Europe Called ‘Absent’
Khansarinia also sharply criticized Europe.
He said Reza Pahlavi has met European leaders and representatives in recent weeks. But Germany, France and Britain have failed to play the role they should.
Europe speaks eloquently about human rights, dignity, equality and minority protections, he said. But when it comes to Iran, it is “quite lacking.”
His demand: any diplomacy with Tehran must include human-rights conditions.
That means no new internet shutdowns, the release of political prisoners, an end to political executions, free press and real elections.
“There is a role for Europe to play,” Khansarinia said. “It’s unfortunately been absent.”
Inside Iran, Pressure Builds
Tina Ghazimorad, former Editor-in-Chief of News at Manoto TV, said foreign journalists often view Iran through missiles, nuclear talks, oil and diplomacy. But inside the country, the story feels different.
She said the lack of mass protests does not mean stability.
According to Ghazimorad, the regime has changed its model of control. The goal is no longer only to crush demonstrations. It is to “psychologically exhaust society.”
Executions are part of that strategy, she said. Since March 18, at least 20 people have been executed on politically motivated charges, according to the briefing. The message, she said, is directed at millions: this could happen to your family too.
Another Uprising Expected
Khansarinia said another uprising is likely whether or not Trump reaches a deal with Tehran. The causes of the previous protests remain: political repression, economic deprivation and social restrictions. In his view, all have worsened.
Ghazimorad said Iran’s anger is becoming moral anger. Many people no longer say only that prices are high. They say the country has been stolen by corrupt networks, security-linked businesses and political families. That makes the situation more dangerous for the regime.
For Pahlavi’s team, the ceasefire may pause the war. But it does not end the struggle.
Their message to Washington and Europe: the regime was weak, the moment was real — and the Iranian people may now feel abandoned.
