As all eyes are on Gaza amid Israel’s war with Hamas, sometimes forgotten is that the Islamic Republic of Iran been responsible for funding and training not only that terrorist organization but also Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, as well as the Houthis in Yemen.
In the meantime, based on data from the International Atomic Energy Agency, experts now report that Iran can assemble a nuclear bomb in approximately seven days. Iran is a key member of the new “axis of evil,” along with Russia and China, and has many bases throughout Latin America, which threatens U.S. national security interests.
Meanwhile, it has been 18 months since the death of Mahsa Amini in Iran in September 2022, following her arrest by the Islamic Republic’s morality police for improperly wearing a head covering. Emboldened by protests that erupted following her death, many women in Iran are now going without their hair uncovered. However, none of this means a loosening up of Iran’s draconian laws.
The people of Iran went to the polls on March 1, but the ruling Guardian Council oversaw the election, deciding which candidates were eligible to run. Many avoided the elections altogether, seeing them as a sham. What does this say about the future of Iran’s counter-revolution? Is there any hope that the Iranian people can overthrow their suffocating regime?
Here to discuss these issues and more are Dr. Walid Phares and Gazelle Sharmahd.
