Prominent Iranian Religious Singer Assassinated In Esfahan Province

This surge in exaggeration and falsehoods appears directly correlated with the regime's mounting desperation to achieve its short-term objectives. As the engineered parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections draw near, the regime has intensified its assertions of remarkable achievements, inflated claims of popularity reaching as high as 97 percent, and exaggerated portrayals of economic and scientific advancements.

Mass production of nonsense

During election season, an abundance of superlatives and claims of "firsts" flood the discourse:: Iran is the most independent country in the world, Iran is the first in the production of science, and Iran is the most important global power. Facing a serious economic crisis and lack of popularity, authorities are turning to such statements on a daily basis.

"Today, Iran is among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of economy, and according to statistics, the people of Iran today have good purchasing power," said the Interior Minister.

"More than 97 percent of the people accept the regime and the revolution and will never abandon it," said the Judiciary Minister.

"The people still adhere to the ideals of the regime and the revolution after 45 years," said the Sports Minister.

"Islamic Iran is the most independent country in the world and the whole world accepts this," said the Fars Province governor.

"The Islamic revolution after the Prophet's mission... was the most important event in the history of mankind... the enemies know that no country is as important as Iran," said the deputy commander of IRGC.

These are clear signs of self-aggrandizement, delusion, and living in a self-made bubble in these statements. According to a Goman Institute poll, in response to the question if a free referendum was held today with the inquiry "Islamic Republic: Yes or No?", %75 answered "No to the Islamic Republic" and only 16% said that their answer was positive.

These statements are indicative of self-aggrandizement, delusion, and a detachment from reality. According to a Gamaan Institute poll published on Sunday, when asked in a hypothetical free referendum whether they support the Islamic Republic, 75 percent of respondents answered "No," while only 16 percent expressed support for it.

Heating the election oven

To draw parallels with the 1979 revolution, officials invited people to come to the rooftops on Saturday evening, which was the anniversary of the revolution and chant “Allahu Akbar.” Also, on this night, they set off fireworks all over the country, which met with a cold reaction from the people.

Seizing the moment, many people took to the balconies and behind the windows to shout slogans of the Mahsa movement. Notably, the voices of women and young girls resonated prominently among these chants, underscoring their active participation in the opposition's message.

Despite relentless calls for public participation in the anniversary march, the photos and videos circulated depict a significantly limited turnout. Figures ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of attendees are exaggerated to portray figures in the millions or tens of millions. But evidently, even the use of Qasem Soleimani’s name to bring out a million people did not succeed.

For the 86 seats in the Assembly of Experts elections, only 144 candidates have been allowed to run. It is clear that the elections are a sham and people are aware of this fact. 

Nihilist regime

Waiving the hijab requirement during the anniversary march was a surprising deviation also observed last year during the anniversary of the occupation of the American embassy. This move was even reported by hardline media as a good initiative. Additionally, earlier this month and American adult film actress was allowed to visit the country and tour important landmarks. As the founder of the Islamic Republic Ruhollah Khomeini famously stated, "To protect the regime, even Islamic rulings could be suspended."

The recent revelation by the Prana Network of Iran's clandestine arms deal with Russia, valued at $1.75 billion, has sparked concerns about its implications on global security and regional stability. Additionally, Iran's acquisition of the Russian S-300 air defense system in 2016, along with its forthcoming procurement of advanced Russian military aircraft, signals a significant milestone in their evolving defense partnership.

It's worth noting that under Resolution 2231, which endorsed the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran was prohibited from importing and exporting certain missiles, drones, and related technologies without prior UN Security Council approval. However, this resolution expired in October 2023.

This growing alliance has raised concerns about the possibility of Iran supplying precision-guided ballistic missiles to Russia following the expiration of UN sanctions. However, some analysts remain doubtful about Iran's willingness to provide Russia with cutting-edge weaponry, citing concerns about preserving its own military capabilities and its desire for international recognition as a responsible arms trader. Nevertheless, the covert arms agreement between Russia and Iran, alongside their deepening military cooperation, underscores the need for vigilance regarding their actions and their potential impact on both regional and global security dynamics.

Regarding Leaked documents. Theodore Karasik, Senior Advisor from Gulf State Analytics, believes that "This data reveals details of the Russia-Iran relationship regarding weapon systems, despite budget constraints. Despite differences, they collaborate closely, as evidenced by the recent meeting between Russian National Security Advisor Nikolai Patrushev and his counterpart Ali Akbar Ahmadian."

The impact of the arms deals between Russia and Iran on the Middle East

The arms agreement between Iran and Russia has the potential to escalate tensions in the Middle East, leading to increased regional military spending and arsenals. This heightened militarization not only threatens regional stability but also poses risks to American and allied forces when engaging with Tehran's proxies. Additionally, by bolstering Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and potentially supporting Russia's operations in Ukraine, the arms transfer raises concerns about international security and the likelihood of further destabilization. Moreover, the agreement could fuel a regional arms race, undermining efforts towards peace.

Dr. Ariel Cohen, Managing Director of the energy, growth, and security program at the International Tax and Investment Center, and a Senior Fellow at The Atlantic Council, has underscored the economic implications of Iran's arms sales to Russia, raising questions about Tehran's motives and the impact on the Iranian people. Concerns persist regarding the involvement of nuclear weapon technology, potentially further destabilizing the Middle East. Additionally, the exchange of advanced weaponry between Iran and Russia poses a significant threat to global security, necessitating careful international monitoring and regulation to prevent escalating conflicts and instability worldwide.

Challenges and Opportunities

Understanding the challenges of Iran's covert arms trade, particularly with Shahed-136 drones and Russian weaponry, is essential for assessing its impact and requires a nuanced understanding of geopolitical dynamics and risks. These challenges include the potential escalation of war, violations of international law and sanctions, threats to regional stability, and reputational risks for Iran as an arms dealer. However, there are also opportunities for economic gains and the growth of Iran's military industry, as well as the strengthening of the Iran-Russian strategic partnership.

In conclusion, the Iran-Russia arms trade underscores geopolitical maneuvers, with Russia deploying inexpensive drones like the Shahed-136 against Ukrainian forces. This highlights the need for international collaboration to regulate the arms trade and ensure accountability, mitigating the destructive effects of conflict and fostering peace in affected regions. Questions about Iran's responsibility for the harm caused by these weapons emphasize the importance of international oversight in managing arms transfers and addressing broader conflict ramifications, advancing principles of transparency, accountability, and peace in conflict zones.

Nader Ghazipour, among the former members of parliament whose qualifications were not approved by the Guardian Council for the impending elections, said, "I was the only representative who spoke publicly in the parliament against Russia and said that Russia is after our waters, [a] divided Azerbaijan, [has] imposed shameful treaties of Golestan and Turkmenchay on us, and didn’t sell even one barrel of Iranian oil during sanctions and took its money several times."

Iran's clerical watchdog, the Guardian Council, has invalidated the qualifications of approximately one in every ten current lawmakers aspiring to run in the March parliamentary elections.

The mass disqualification of candidates, particularly those perceived as regime insiders with relatively moderate tendencies, echoes previous instances such as the 2020 legislative elections and the 2021 presidential vote.

Ghazipour’s comments come as in 2016 he stirred controversy by asserting that women should not be permitted to serve in parliament, stating, "We didn't easily win control over the country to send every fox, kid, and donkey there. The parliament is not a place for donkeys."

Ghazipour has served on the parliament's Mine and Industry Commission and reportedly fought during the 1980-88 war with Iraq. He worked as Khamenei's campaign manager in 1981 and 1985, according to the website of the parliament's research center.

The 45-year-old cleric from Bukan in West Azarbaijan Province, also received a 15-year prison sentence on charges of "causing harm to the integrity or independence of the country," along with an additional one-year imprisonment on charges of "propaganda against the system."

Khezrnejad's most recent court session occurred in November via video conference, without the presence of a lawyer. Khezrnejad was arrested on November 19 after delivering a speech at a commemorative event for Asad Rahimi, a victim of the Women, Life, Freedom protests in Bukan.

Following his arrest, a coalition of religious scholars and Friday prayer leaders in Sanandaj and Dehgolan, in Kordestan province, demanded the immediate release of all protest detainees, including Khezrnejad. They cautioned the government against issuing death sentences for protesters.

With the inception of the Women, Life, Freedom protests, sparked by the death in morality-police custody of Mahsa Amini, Sunni clerics experienced heightened pressure, encountering threats, detentions, and the imposition and execution of security verdicts.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) recently reported that Iranian courts handed down 35 death sentences in January, marking the highest number of such penalties issued within a single month in over a year. Additionally, 86 individuals were executed across the country during the same month.

Among them was Kurdish Sunni cleric Farhad Salimi, executed on January 23 after serving a 14-year prison term in Ghezelhesar prison in Karaj.

According to the Quds Headquarters of the Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the two members were identified as Mohammad Anvar Gomshadzahi and Abdolhossein Baluch.

The incident follows a deadly assault in December perpetrated by the militant Sunni organization Jaish al-Adl, which targeted a police station in Rask, a small city in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan Province, resulting in the deaths of 12 police officers.

Sistan-Baluchistan Province, marked by poverty and bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, hosts a substantial Sunni population from the Baluch ethnic group. The community faces pressure from Iran’s Shiite clerical rulers and experiences frequent clashes between security forces and Sunni militants, as well as drug smugglers.

Jaish al-Adl, purportedly advocating for greater rights and improved living conditions for ethnic minority Baluchis, frequently asserts responsibility for such attacks. Over recent years, the group has launched multiple assaults on Iranian security forces in the province.

In July, Jaish al-Adl targeted a police station in Zahedan, the provincial capital, alleging its involvement in the September 30, 2022, massacre of approximately 90 civilians, known as Black Friday. The ensuing anti-government protests following Friday prayers led to confrontations with security forces, resulting in demonstrations in Zahedan and the subsequent arrest of hundreds by security forces.