Saturday, January 31, 2026

The resilient spirit of Iran: Navigating decades of external pressure

 By Munir Daair 

Since the Islamic Revolution over four decades ago, Iran has been at the heart of a complex geopolitical struggle. From the outset, the nation has faced a variety of external pressures, including economic sanctions, political pressure, and media campaigns led by Western and Israeli interest groups. 

These efforts have taken many forms: economic embargoes, media narratives aimed at delegitimizing the Iranian ruling system, and more recently, targeted military actions by the United States and Israel.

Despite these sustained pressures, Iran has shown remarkable resilience. Each wave of external intervention has ultimately fallen short of toppling the government. 

The external failures to topple the Islamic Republic forced a change of tactic. New strategies have emerged, including infiltration by foreign intelligence agencies, such as Mossad and the CIA, aimed at exploiting and even creating new internal dynamics aimed at encouraging regime change from within.

Moreover, the attempts by the United States, Israel, and their Western allies to bring the former Shah’s son into the fold is a telling sign of their detachment from Iran’s realities. The Iranian people, having experienced decades of the Shah’s rule, would not accept a return to the pre-Revolution era. This attempt is not only impractical but also out of touch with the country’s current sentiment. No matter how difficult the situation or dissatisfied Iranians are with the current government, it is unlikely that a return of the corrupt monarchy will be accepted.

1. Historical context and external pressures
To understand Iran’s current state, we must look back at the history of external interventions. From the 1980s onward, economic sanctions and political pressure were designed to weaken Iran. These efforts, however, often backfired, leading to greater national unity and resilience. The constant pressure shaped Iran’s domestic policies and foreign relations, creating a complex and often adversarial environment.

2. Current protests and socio-economic factors
The recent wave of demonstrations is driven by deep-rooted socio-economic grievances. Inflation, unemployment, and a devalued currency have placed immense pressure on the Iranian people. These economic hardships, combined with political frustrations, have fueled a new wave of unrest, highlighting a growing need for a change of direction.

3. Infiltration and intelligence efforts
Recent intelligence activities by foreign agencies have sought to exploit Iran’s internal divisions. The effectiveness of these infiltration efforts remains debatable, but they undeniably influence the political landscape and contribute to the complexity of the situation.

4. Public sentiment and national identity
The Iranian populace has developed a strong national identity, deeply rooted in the experiences of the Revolution and subsequent decades. The idea of reinstating the Shah is viewed as out of touch with the collective memory and aspirations of the Iranian people. This strong sense of identity and resilience is a critical factor in shaping the country’s response to both internal and external pressures.

5. Future scenarios
Looking ahead, the future of Iran will likely depend on how these internal and external dynamics unfold. Political reforms, greater engagement with the populace, and a balanced approach to foreign relations could pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future. However, ongoing external pressures and internal challenges will continue to shape Iran’s path.

6. Regional security and the impact of external interference
The ongoing attempts to destabilize Iran not only affect the nation itself but also pose significant risks to regional stability. Israel’s expansionist policies supported by the United States, particularly under Netanyahu’s leadership, threaten not just Iran but also its neighboring countries. Should attempts to overthrow the Iranian ruling establishment force it to, desperately retaliate in a devastating way, the war could develop into a major conflict and the security of the entire region would be jeopardized, leading to widespread instability. Such a scenario could ignite broader regional conflicts, endangering not only Iran but also its neighbors, and potentially destabilizing the entire region.

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