Latest news with #Ahwaz
Memri
26-03-2025
- Business
- Memri
The Accelerating Collapse Of The Iranian Regime
The Iranian year 1403, which ended on March 20, 2025, saw the weakening of the Iranian regime both politically and economically. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ahwaz, Dr. Aref Al Kaabi, [1] believes that profound divisions have developed within the Iranian regime. In the beginning of March, the Iranian Parliament removed Iran's Economy and Finance Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati from office. "In a plenary session, lawmakers approved the impeachment of Hemmati with 182 votes in favor, 89 against, one abstention, and one invalid vote out of 273 total ballots," the Tehran Times reported. [2] The vote of no confidence came amid concerns over "inflation, currency devaluation, and economic mismanagement." [3] The media outlet Kurdistan 24 reported: "The session, attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, [4] was dedicated to scrutinizing the country's economic situation and holding Hemmati accountable for perceived failures in financial policy. During the heated discussions, lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction with the current economic trajectory, citing rising inflation and the depreciation of the Iranian toman as key issues. Despite a staunch defense from President Pezeshkian, Hemmati was ultimately unable to retain parliamentary support." [5] The Kurdish media outlet then added: "Hemmati's dismissal marks a significant shift in the Pezeshkian administration, which has faced considerable pressure to implement economic reforms since taking office approximately six months ago. Lawmakers have been increasingly vocal in their demands for leadership change, arguing that Hemmati's policies failed to curb inflation or stabilize the country's struggling currency." [6] As Pezeshkian was trying to defend Hemmati, he said: "The current economic war is much, much worse than the imposed war [waged by the West]." [7] During his speech to the hardline-dominated Parliament, Pezeshkian also revealed that he supports negotiations with the United States but he respects the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's decision to not engage in talks. "I believed it was better to engage in dialogue, but when the Leader said we would not negotiate with the U.S., I said, 'We will not negotiate with the U.S., period,'" Pezeshkian said in a frustrated tone. [8] Hours later, Iran's vice president for strategic affairs, Mohammad-Javad Zarif, whom hardliners despise for his advocacy of talks with the U.S., resigned, on the "advice" of Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. [9] Iran International reported that former lawmaker Ali Nazari – editor-in-chief of the reformist daily Mostaghel – openly advised Pezeshkian to "honorably resign" following the removal under pressure of Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati and Vice President Mohammad Javad Zarif. [10] Al Kaabi further said that the political and economic crises may escalate, hoping that it could accelerate the regime's collapse. Chief Executive Officer of The Ahwaz Dr. Aref Al Kaabi Following is the article by Chief Executive Officer of the Ahwaz Dr. Aref Al Kaabi: Prominent Clerics Accused Pezeshkian Of Deception, Lying, And Hypocrisy In the beginning of March, a session of Iranian parliament attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian witnessed chaos and infighting among the attendees, who were divided between supporters and opponents of the regime. Pezeshkian's statements sparked widespread controversy, as he launched strong and aggressive attacks against key figures of the regime – of which he is a part – specifically targeting officials of the Revolutionary Guard, the Council, the entourage of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and the economic institutions linked to the Revolutionary Guard. He accused them of corruption and theft. These statements triggered a wave of sharp criticism against him, prompting a prominent cleric to respond by accusing Pezeshkian of deception, lying, and hypocrisy. This response ignited a heated exchange among lawmakers, turning the Parliament session into a verbal battlefield. The session transformed into a courtroom where the actions of the regime's pillars – leading to Iran's dire conditions under the rule of the mullahs – were scrutinized. The verbal clashes and mutual accusations were not merely expressions of political disagreements but also reflected the deep political crisis currently facing the Iranian regime. This public altercation made it clear that Iran is experiencing significant internal tensions between different factions of the regime. The discussions at the Parliament session lacked coordination and consensus, characterized instead by a complete disconnect between the various wings. Each faction blamed the other for failures in economic, political, and diplomatic spheres. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (Source: MEMRI ) (Source: MEMRI ) Internal Political Tensions And Factional Conflicts Continue To Rise The power struggle among these factions has become increasingly visible to the public, indicating that disagreements are no longer confined to closed political circles but have spilled into the open. The tension is particularly evident between the popularly elected president and the officials appointed by the Revolutionary Guard and Khamenei's office. These developments reveal a deep crisis within the Iranian regime, highlighting the growing divide between the aspirations of the Iranian people and the desires of the ruling religious establishment. The Parliament session also exposed the attempts by both hardliners and reformists to evade responsibility, as each side sought to shift the blame onto the other. This blame game only exacerbates the political and economic crisis gripping the country. As internal political tensions and factional conflicts continue to rise, Iran's political and economic situation becomes increasingly complex. The new U.S. sanctions on the Iranian regime further intensify economic pressures on Iranian citizens and threaten to deepen the economic crisis managed by the Revolutionary Guard. At the same time, the Revolutionary Guard's military institution faces significant challenges in maintaining its power, increasing the likelihood of a breakdown in the state's military and economic structures. The Profound Division Within The Iranian Regime All these factors point to the possibility of a dramatic transformation in Iran's near future. Political and economic deterioration could lead to internal unrest, potentially culminating in a widespread revolution against the ruling regime. If such scenarios unfold, they could accelerate the collapse of the Iranian regime's military and economic institutions and pave the way for a fundamental change in Iran's political landscape – possibly leading to the end of the Safavid Shiite system controlling the country. What we witnessed at this Parliament session reflects the profound division within the Iranian regime and reveals an escalating political crisis that could result in the regime's collapse if internal conflicts and economic challenges persist. Should such a collapse occur, it could bring about significant regional changes. Iran might return to a period of internal peace, contributing to regional and global stability and security. *Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi is the President of the Executive Committee of the State of Ahwaz. [2] March 2, 2025. [3] March 2, 2025. [5] March 2, 2025. [6] March 2, 2025. [7] March 2, 2025. [8] March 2, 2025. [9] March 3, 2025. [10] March 5, 2025. On March 17, 2025, Iran International wrote: "Veteran nuclear negotiator and top reformist Javad Zarif remains at his senior post despite resigning, a spokesperson said, signaling that the beleaguered president is loath to lose him. Government Spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said… that Zarif's resignation, announced amid controversy over his children's US citizenship, has not been officially accepted, emphasizing that his appointment has not been revoked, nor has a replacement been named." Source: March 17, 2025.
Memri
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Ahwaz Leader Dr. Aref Al Kaabi: The Regime In Tehran Has No Moral Authority
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ahwaz, Dr. Aref Al Kaabi, [1] gave an interview to the media outlet The Baghdad Tribune. In the interview, Dr. Aref Al Kaabi talked about the challenges in freeing Al-Ahwaz from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today, the Arab region of Al-Ahwaz is under the dictatorship of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which, like the previous Pahlavi regime, is repressing, marginalizing, and discriminating against non-Persian ethnic groups. Contemporary Iran, like medieval Iran, is not a country but a heterogeneous, multinational, and multilingual empire. In Iran, Persians make up half of the country's population, while the other half comprises non-Persian ethnic groups (Kurds, Balochs, Azeris, Arabs, Turkmen, Lurs, and Caspian ethnic groups), which maintain a strong ethnic identity that distinguishes them from Persians. The key to the fall of the ayatollah's regime in Iran, without having the American military on the ground, lies with the non-Persian ethnic groups that have been marginalized and violently repressed over the years. In the past, the U.S. administrations feared that helping the non-Persians groups would result in splitting Iran into several Islamic states. However, this will not be the case. There is a golden opportunity that the West can seize. Secular non-Persian groups are ready to join the West and lead the fight without the U.S. sending its troops. In particular, the Ahwazis, under the leadership of Dr. Aref Kaabi, are secular and would follow the tolerant path paved in the Gulf by the UAE, which embraces an Abrahamic alliance. Chief Executive Officer of The Ahwaz Dr. Aref Al Kaabi Below is the interview with Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: [2] Iran's "Systematic Efforts To Suppress And Weaken" The Ahwazi People Q: "What are the challenges facing the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz, and do you believe that regional and international conditions have become more favorable for achieving your demands?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "The main challenge currently facing the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz is gaining Arab and international recognition of the just struggle of the Arab Ahwazi people against the oppression, repression, and tyranny imposed on our people since 1925 [the Majlis declared Reza Pahlavi the shah of Iran on December 12, 1925] almost a hundred years. The Ahwazi people suffer from ethnic, religious, and cultural persecution, as well as discrimination and marginalization in employment within Ahwaz's institutions. This reflects the Iranian occupation's systematic efforts to suppress and weaken our people. "The greatest challenge for the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz is securing Arab and international recognition of the Ahwazi struggle. If the Ahwazi people's fight against the Iranian presence in Ahwaz is acknowledged, it will provide international support, protection, and legitimacy for their efforts to reclaim the rights that were taken away in 1925. "Today, regional and international conditions are more favorable than ever for the Ahwazis to reclaim the rights seized in 1925. However, these conditions also require political and media support from the Arab world to strengthen the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz. Such backing would enable us to continue leading the Ahwazi people's struggle during this critical period of regional unrest. This not only benefits the Ahwazi cause but also provides an opportunity for Arab nations to counter the Persian threat to Arab national security, particularly the security of the Gulf region." (Source: Ahwaz Executive Headquarters in Brussels. (Source: "The Iranian Regime Has A Long History Of Labeling Those Who Resist Its Oppression As Terrorists" Q: "How do you respond to Iran's accusations of 'terrorism' and claims that certain countries support you? What is your stance on armed struggle versus political solutions?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "The clerical regime in Tehran has no moral authority to speak about honor or combating terrorism. Iran is a state founded on terrorism, killing, and destruction. We see the evidence of this in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Ahwaz regions that have suffered devastation for over 100 years, from the Shah's regime to Khomeini's rule. "Hence, a state that sponsors terrorism recognized as such by several countries cannot label the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz as a terrorist organization unless Tehran has its own unique definition of terrorism in its 'Iranian dictionary.' "We are a liberation movement based in Brussels, and the Ahwazi people have been struggling for 100 years to reclaim their rights. The true terrorist entity is the Iranian state, whose military wings, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Force, are officially designated as terrorist organizations on global lists. These are the groups responsible for killing and displacing millions of people – not the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz, which is a liberation movement striving to restore the rights of the Arab Ahwazi people. "Moreover, the Iranian regime has a long history of labeling those who resist its oppression as terrorists. It called the Syrian people 'terrorists' when they revolted against Bashar Al-Assad's regime and described the Lebanese people as 'terrorists' when they opposed Hezbollah's militias. "The same tactic is used against the people of Iraq and Yemen. By labeling the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz a terrorist group, Tehran seeks to justify the repression and killing of the Arab Ahwazi people, who have been struggling to regain their stolen rights and to end the Iranian occupation of Ahwazi lands since 1925. "These accusations from Iran hold no weight because Arab and Western nations and governments around the world are well aware that Iran is the primary sponsor of terrorism in the region and beyond. Iran is the last country that should speak about combating terrorism. "As for our stance on armed struggle, our movement is based on three pillars: international law, political advocacy, and media engagement. International law grants us the right to defend our land by all available means, and this principle is clearly recognized in international legal frameworks. "So far, the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz has not adopted a sustained armed struggle. However, if we choose to engage in armed resistance a right recognized under international law for occupied peoples to liberate their lands it is fully within our legal and moral rights. Nevertheless, current regional and international conditions do not permit us to take up arms. The only Arab geographical connection to Ahwaz is Iraq, which is unfortunately under significant Iranian influence. For now, we reserve our right to pursue armed struggle to expel the Iranian occupiers, but we have not made the decision to do so at this time." "Many Arab Countries Are Victims Of Iranian Policies, Due To Tehran's Interference" Q: "What is your plan to gain the support of Arab countries and the international community for the Ahwazi cause? Are there active diplomatic efforts currently underway?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "We maintain ongoing communication with our Arab brothers in the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to keep them informed about the killings, displacement, destruction, and erasure of the Arab identity taking place in Ahwaz. Many Arab countries themselves are victims of Iranian policies due to Tehran's interference in the internal affairs of Arab nations, especially those in the region. We maintain consistent political coordination albeit to a modest extent with our Arab brothers regarding the future of Ahwaz and strategies for dealing with the Iranian regime. "We also have very good communication with the European Union and the United States, and we are monitoring future developments closely. For now, the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz remains actively engaged on both the Arab and international fronts to push forward the recognition of the Ahwazi people's legitimate struggle. "While there is a 'reasonable' level of political support from both foreign allies and Arab brothers, it does not yet amount to formal recognition. We aspire for Arab countries to grant Ahwaz an observer status within the Arab League and the GCC, as well as to secure official representation in international organizations similar to our Executive Body's office in Brussels. "We continue to engage with all relevant institutions to achieve official representation and further advance the Ahwazi cause." "An Independent Ahwaz Would Safeguard Global Trade Interests In Key Waterways Such As The Strait of Hormuz" Q: "How do you envision the future of Ahwaz if autonomy or independence is achieved? What is your vision for the political and economic system in the region?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "Whether Ahwaz attains autonomy or full independence, it will serve as a safeguard for Arab national security in general and Gulf security in particular. "Ahwaz is strategically located along the eastern shore of the Arabian Gulf and controls access to the vital Strait of Hormuz a major global trade route. The region holds approximately 85% of the oil and gas exported by Iran, along with fertile agricultural lands, abundant water resources, rich mineral deposits, and a deep historical and cultural heritage. "If Ahwaz achieves independence, it will be of immense importance to Arab countries, especially Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, in terms of security, economic cooperation, development, and regional stability. "An independent Ahwaz would be a strong and prosperous state, playing a pivotal role in ensuring regional and international peace and security, as well as safeguarding global trade interests in key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz. Ahwaz is part of the solution for regional challenges, making it a cornerstone for maintaining peace and stability. "The political system of Ahwaz will ultimately be decided by the Ahwazi Arab people. However, I envision it aligning closely with the political frameworks of Iraq and the GCC countries, as Ahwaz is historically and geographically part of the Arabian Peninsula and Iraq." An Independent Ahwaz "Would Mark The End Of A Painful Era Of Living Under The Shadow Of The Iranian State" Q: "With the escalation of Iranian repression, how do arrests and assassinations affect your movement, and what are your strategies to protect activists inside and outside Ahwaz?" Dr. Aref Al-Kaabi: "The repression, arrests, and brutalization of the Arab Ahwazi people as well as other oppressed groups like the Turks, Baloch, Azeris, and even dissident Persians are part of the Iranian regime's systematic policy of suppression. As repression and state terrorism intensify, we continuously adapt our strategies to protect our people and sustain the struggle. "If we had international, legal, political, and media support, it would curb Iran's reckless behavior and halt the machinery of murder, oppression, and mass arrests against the Arab Ahwazi people. The extent to which Iran can be restrained depends on the level of Arab and international backing for the Ahwazi cause. The stronger this support, the less Iran will be able to continue its brutal policies against our people. "Our people have been resisting and fighting for 100 years, and the Executive Body of the State of Ahwaz has made a final decision there will be no compromise with this regime. We are committed to continuing our struggle to protect our people's dignity and to preserve the Arab identity of Ahwaz. "Our fight is not only for the Arab Ahwazi people or the establishment of an independent Ahwazi state. We are fighting for the Arab world, Arab identity, and Arab national security especially the security of the Gulf region. An independent Ahwaz would create a natural barrier between the Arab world and Persia, with the towering Zagros Mountains serving as a geographic buffer. This would mark the end of a painful era of living under the shadow of the Iranian state."
