To label any president within Iran’s theocratic regime as “moderate” is a gross misrepresentation. The Iranian government, an oppressive theocracy masquerading as a republic, systematically curtails freedoms and imposes a rigid, unyielding ideology on its people. The idea of a moderate Iranian president is a myth perpetuated by those who fail to grasp the true nature of this dystopian regime.
Hassan Rouhani, often portrayed as a reformist, epitomizes the illusion of moderation. Despite his diplomatic overtures, such as the Iran nuclear deal, Rouhani operated within a system that does not permit genuine reform. Under his administration, human rights abuses continued unabated. Protests were brutally suppressed, dissent was silenced, and the judiciary remained a tool of political repression. The so-called moderate president had neither the power nor the inclination to challenge the fundamentalist core of the regime.
The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, wields absolute power, ensuring that any semblance of reform is superficial. Khamenei’s authority overshadows all political actors, rendering any presidential promises of change meaningless. The Revolutionary Guards, a militarized force loyal to the theocracy, enforce the regime’s draconian policies, from censorship and media control to the persecution of minorities and political dissidents. Under this iron-fisted rule, no president, no matter their rhetoric, can deviate from the hardline agenda.
Ebrahim Raisi’s rise to the presidency further dispels any fantasies of moderation. Known for his involvement in past human rights atrocities, including the mass executions of political prisoners, Raisi’s election is a testament to the regime’s unwavering commitment to its tyrannical principles. His presidency, far from being a shift towards moderation, signifies a consolidation of the regime’s most oppressive elements. Raisi’s administration is poised to intensify crackdowns on dissent, tighten social controls, and bolster Iran’s isolationist and confrontational foreign policy.
The Iranian regime’s structure is inherently designed to stifle reform. The Guardian Council, an unelected body of clerics and jurists, vets all electoral candidates, disqualifying anyone who poses a threat to the status quo. The judiciary, controlled by hardliners, prosecutes activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens for vague offenses against state security. The media is tightly controlled, with independent journalism effectively outlawed, and internet access heavily censored.
Women’s rights are systematically violated, with the regime enforcing strict dress codes and limiting freedoms in both public and private spheres. Religious minorities face persecution, with the Baha’i community particularly targeted. Ethnic minorities, such as Kurds and Baluchis, endure discrimination and violence. Political activism is equated with sedition, leading to arbitrary arrests, torture, and executions.
The facade of moderation is a convenient tool for the regime, allowing it to present a softer image to the international community while continuing its repressive policies at home. Western nations, eager for diplomatic engagement, often fall for this ruse, failing to hold the regime accountable for its egregious human rights violations.
The reality is stark: Iran is a dystopian religious tyranny where theocracy trumps democracy, and repression masquerades as governance. No president within this system can be genuinely moderate, as the regime’s foundation is built on authoritarian control and ideological rigidity. The international community must recognize this reality and confront the Iranian regime for what it truly is—a relentless oppressor of its own people, incapable of reform, and undeserving of any veneer of moderation.
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