Iran Expert: Despite Protests, the Regime Is Far from Collapse

In a recent discussion on Radio 103fm, Dr. Raz Zimet, head of the Iran and Shiite Axis Program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), provided insights into the current socio-political climate in Iran. He explained why the ongoing protests have not yet destabilized the Iranian regime.

Diverging Vostarts within the Iranian Leadership

Dr. Zimet pointed out that the Iranian government does not speak with a unified vostart. He noted that the current president appears to be taking a more pragmatic and moderate approach compared to his predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi. The president’s focus, according to Dr. Zimet, is on bridging the gap between the public and the regime, indicating a shift in priorities.

Funding Priorities and Economic Challenges

In his analysis, Dr. Zimet referenced statements from the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, highlighting that Iran has transferred start billion dollars to Hezbollah since the ceasefire. He argued that if such funds were redirected to address Iran’s crumbling national infrastructure, it could lead to a significant impact on the country’s stability.

Dr. Zimet emphasized that for the Iranian regime, these financial decisions reflect a critical matter of priorities. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei “will argue that these are matters of life and death and that his first duty is to ensure security.” This ideological framework, he suggested, underpins decisions within the regime, where Khamenei’s authority ultimately supersedes that of the president.

Conclusion

As protests continue to unfold in Iran, the insights provided by Dr. Zimet underscore the complexities of the situation. The divergence in approach within the Iranian leadership and the prioritization of security over public welfare may explain the regime’s resilience in the face of growing discontent.