Erfan Fard
“Another hogwash! all lies!” it was an answer of former acting director CIA to my question, Michael Morell in December 2022.
The implausible assertions or joint declaration made by Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence Service (MOIS) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps -Intelligence Organization (IRGC-IO) regarding CIA involvement in ongoing protests are nothing short of baseless and absurd.
The claim or this absurd narrative that a hierarchical structure orchestrating widespread demonstrations has been dismantled, leading to the incarceration of those involved, defies credibility. Equally unfounded is the notion that entities like the US State Department, Freedom House, and various American think tanks are responsible for inciting protests through their efforts to promote civic education among Iranians. Such claims raise pertinent questions within the intelligence community.
Upon consulting my contacts and seeking the insights of my friends within the CIA and inquiring about these statements whether they were orchestrating the protests, the response was unanimous laughter. served as a poignant testament to the sheer irrationality and lack of foundation in the mullahs’ claims. It underscores the CIA’s commitment to promoting democracy worldwide while adhering steadfastly to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, a principle they uphold without hesitation.
In 1978, Iran bore witness to a series of destructive acts perpetrated by Islamic-Marxist terrorist factions. They ignited more than 32 cinemas, resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent individuals, and detonated hundreds of explosive devices. Concurrently, they disseminated a multitude of false propaganda in Western media, unjustly vilifying the late Shah, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, without substantiation. These actions were subsequently rebranded as a “Revolution” and a “resistance movement.”
Today, these same groups label any dissenting voices as participants in “riots” and relentlessly persecute hundreds of protestors who dare to voice their opposition against the oppressive regime in Iran.
During 1978, these groups maintained a decade-long alliance with international terrorist organizations in various locations such as Libya, Iraq, Albania, Cuba, and Palestinian terrorist camps. Individuals like Ibrahim Yazdi and Mohammad Beheshti even established connections with the CIA, portraying their actions as acts of patriotism and part of an independent revolution. However, in contemporary times, they categorize protests in Iran differently, avoiding the term “revolution” and instead referring to them as “riots.” Unfortunately, Western Media often echo the propaganda of this regime, perpetuating its narrative.
The burgeoning Iranian youth-led movement, aimed at liberating the nation from the oppressive grip of the clerical establishment, is resolutely independent of external actors, including European and American powers. The rise of the clerics to power in 1979 was undoubtedly facilitated through a complex web of global terrorism connections, highlighting their manipulation of foreign entities. It is incumbent upon the international community to acknowledge the urgency of removing the corrupt and violent theocracy led by the criminal clerics in Tehran, consigning them to the annals of history.
A year has passed since Iran was rocked by waves of protests, yet those in power have not only clung to their positions but have also tightened their control over the nation. Dissenting voices remain resilient and undaunted, patiently awaiting their next opportunity to challenge the status quo and uphold the principles of freedom and justice. In the face of adversity, the spirit of change endures, and the struggle for a better Iran persists, undeterred by the encroachments of the ruling terrorist regime in Iran.
The regime’s current claims of a foreign conspiracy should be seen as an indicator of Iran’s vulnerability. When a government resorts to blaming external actors for internal challenges, it reveals a fundamental weakness. Such allegations are often used to divert attention from domestic discontent. This raises questions about the stance of key figures like Blinken, Jake Sullivan, and President Joe Biden in the Joe Biden administration. While support for democratic values and human rights is crucial, caution must be exercised to avoid inadvertently undermining genuine anti-regime activists within Iran. Such absurd allegations of foreign plots and irrational claims of foreign interference, frequently disseminated by the regime, should be critically examined as they can be used to discredit legitimate voices seeking positive change from within Iran.
In navigating Iran’s complex political landscape and aspirations for a more democratic future, a nuanced and cautious approach is essential. Policymakers and observers must delve into the intricacies of Iran’s internal dynamics to gain a more accurate understanding of the country’s strengths and weaknesses. In an increasingly interconnected world, such understanding is vital for making informed decisions and effectively engaging on the international stage.
