Sadr said his claims were based on "intelligence information and analysis" of the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, during which, he asserted, Iran's air defense network was effectively wiped out.

Video: Mohammad Sadr during the interview

Speaking in an interview with BBC Persian, Sadr argued that Israel's precise strikes on all of Iran's air defense positions were suspicious, and pointed to Moscow's refusal to back Tehran.

The official, who once served as a close adviser to former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami, said that Russia had shown a "bias in favor of Israel" and that the latest war proved the "strategic agreement with Russia is nonsense."

According to Sadr, "Russia sold the S-400 system to Turkey, a NATO member, but not to Iran. It has not even been willing to sell us the Su-35 fighter jets until now. We must not think that Russia will come to Iran's aid when the time comes." He was referring to the repeatedly announced but never implemented deal for advanced Russian warplanes.

Sadr further claimed that from the moment President Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter went down, he believed the crash was "an Israeli act" meant to send Tehran a message that "if Iran continues, we will continue too." At the time, speculation that the crash was the result of sabotage sparked widespread discussion in Iranian media and even viral jokes on social networks.

Iran's armed forces general staff has previously issued a statement denying the possibility of sabotage in the crash that killed Raisi and his entourage.

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In a pivotal election that could signal a change in Iran's political landscape, reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian has emerged victorious in the country's presidential race, according to CNN reporting. The electoral authority announced on July 6 that Pezeshkian secured 53.6% of the 30.5 million votes counted in Friday's runoff, defeating his ultraconservative rival, Saeed Jalili, who garnered 44.3% of the ballots.

The election, which saw a turnout of 49.8%, marks the lowest voter participation for a presidential election since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. This second round of voting followed an initial round where Pezeshkian secured the highest number of ballots.

In his victory speech at the burial site of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to the Iranian people and pledged to serve as a "voice of the voiceless." The 69-year-old trained heart surgeon and lawmaker acknowledged the challenges facing the country, calling for unity in what he described as a new chapter for Iran.

During his presidential campaign, Pezeshkian advocated for easing certain social restrictions, including removing blanket internet censorship and ending the enforcement of strict dress codes for women. He also expressed support for greater transparency in banking and finance, proposing measures that could potentially lead to Iran's removal from a blacklist maintained by the Financial Action Task Force, a global watchdog for money laundering and terrorist financing.

On foreign policy, Pezeshkian has emphasized the importance of negotiations with Western nations, including the United States. During his campaign, Pezeshkian expressed support for reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. This landmark deal had imposed limitations on Iran's nuclear enrichment activities in return for relief from economic sanctions. However, the agreement collapsed in 2018 when then-US President Donald Trump withdrew the United States and reimposed sanctions on Iran.

Khamenei's Kayhan in editorial today claims presidential election revealed 2 blocs in Iran: 1 bloc had 16 million votes, the other 13 million.
(Even if we accept the fake figures, the fact is 68 million were eligible to vote but 39 million didn't, making a 3rd bloc.
The regime

— Amir Taheri (@AmirTaheri4) July 7, 2024

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, congratulated the president-elect and praised the country for swiftly holding "free and transparent elections" following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. Khamenei advised Pezeshkian to act "in continuation of the path" of Raisi.

Pezeshkian's victory comes at a crucial time for Iran, as the country faces increasing international isolation, internal discontent, economic challenges, and heightened tensions with Israel. As the only reformist candidate allowed to run after dozens of others were barred, Pezeshkian has advocated for dialogue with Iran's adversaries, particularly regarding its nuclear program.

"The primary issue is the perspective: Do we want to solve our problems with the world or not? I believe we must get out of the deadlock to solve the country's problems," Pezeshkian stated during a presidential debate prior to the second round of voting.

The US State Department, however, maintained a cautious stance, stating that the elections "were not free or fair" and would not significantly impact their approach to Iran. A spokesperson for the department added, "We have no expectation these elections will lead to fundamental change in Iran's direction or more respect for the human rights of its citizens."

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The ring of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was discovered on Monday at the helicopter crash site in northern Iran, where he was killed along with other senior Iranian officials. Four years ago, when a similar ring was found on the finger of assassinated Qasem Soleimani, questions arose about the tradition. 

Where did this tradition begin?

 Wearing rings is an ancient Muslim tradition. It is said that the Prophet Muhammad wore at least one ring, if not more. Generally, wearing a ring has been known for thousands of years and is common to almost all cultures, including Jewish and Christian ones.

Are there differences between the sects of Islam?

 Both Sunnis and Shiites wear rings, but each religious sect has different traditions stemming from the conflict between them. For example, Shiites wear a ring on the right hand - because the right side symbolizes the good in the world. In contrast, Sunnis wear it on the left hand and reject this belief. The Shiite belief has roots in Iranian culture, which was heavily influenced by Dualism (belief in both a good god and an evil god, Zoroastrianism). 

Which leaders wear them? 

Today, mainly leaders from the Iranian Axis such as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is the highest authority in the Islamic Republic, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, Houthi leader Abd al-Malik al-Houthi and others practice wearing such rings.

What are they used for? 

According to Islamic tradition, rings served Muhammad and the caliphs to sign letters and books. The seal was a symbol of the sect. It appears that today, Ayatollah Khamenei wears it as a symbol of his status as the new leader of Islam.

What stories are told about the rings? 

One legend from the Islamic tradition tells of the ring of King Solomon, called Suleiman in Arabic. According to the legend, the ring descended from the heavens with the inscription "There is no other god but Allah" and gave him supernatural powers to subdue jinn (demons from Arab folklore). It should be noted that the Islamic tradition drew heavily from the Jewish tradition and features figures like King David, Moses, and others.

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The details of the final moments of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardline cleric who took office in 2021 amid widespread protests, met an untimely demise in a mysterious helicopter crash on Tuesday, come to light.

Gholamhossein Esmaili, the head of the president's office and a passenger on the same airborne 3-helicopter convoy that carried Raisi, told the Iranian media outlet IRIB about what unfolded, perhaps shedding more light on why only the leader's aircraft went down. The details surrounding the crash remain shrouded in confusion, but the first-hand account from a passenger in the same helicopter convoy has shed light on the fateful day's events.

After departing for Tabriz following noon prayers, the presidential convoy took to the skies under clear weather conditions. However, as they approached the Sungun copper mine, a small yet ominous patch of clouds loomed ahead. The lead pilot, now dead, instructed the fleet to ascend above the cloud cover – a seemingly routine maneuver that would ultimately seal President Raisi's fate.

"After our noon prayers, we departed towards the direction of Tabriz. The weather was clear, there was no weather condition to be worried about," he told the channel according to a transcript provided online. "After half an hour of being in the air, prior to reaching the Sungun copper mine, there was a small patch of clouds," he continued.

The interviewer then asked,  "So there was no fog?", to which he replied, "Not at all. There was fog on the ground, but not in up the air where we were advancing with the helicopters. However, in one small compacted area, there was a small patch of clouds above a cliff. In terms of height, this cloud was on the same height as our flight's height. We came above the clouds, we advanced for approximately 30 seconds."

His voice then trembled when he added, "Our pilot suddenly realized that the main helicopter carrying the president is missing," he told the channel.

In a desperate attempt to locate the missing aircraft, the convoy circled the area, but the cloud patch had vanished, leaving no trace of the president's whereabouts. Frantic efforts to establish radio contact were met with deafening silence, forcing the survivors to make an emergency landing at the copper mine.

The anguish was compounded when calls to the president's staff and companions went unanswered, until a lone voice emerged – that of Ayatollah Hashem, the Friday imam of Tabriz. In a chilling exchange, the imam revealed he was alone and disoriented, unable to account for the fate of the others.

President Raisi's tenure, marked by a hardline stance on nuclear negotiations and a brutal crackdown on dissidents, had deeply polarized the Iranian people and its relations with the global community.

In the wake of this tragedy, questions linger – was this a mere accident, or a sinister act that has robbed Iran of its controversial yet powerful figurehead?

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In the wake of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a shocking helicopter crash, several nations have extended their sympathies to Iran.

The European Union offered sincere condolences through its top leaders. European Council President Charles Michel and the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, extended their heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and the Iranian people affected. Michel stated on X, "The EU expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families."

The EU expresses its sincere condolences for the death of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Abdollahian, as well as other members of their delegation and crew in a helicopter accident. Our thoughts go to the families.

— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) May 20, 2024

Criticism arose from figures like Swedish Member of the European Parliament David Lega who asked Borrell, "Can you look the brave women and freedom fighters of Iran in the eye ever again? I can. Shame on you." Belgium's former Migration Minister Theo Francken condemned the EU's condolences for a "butcher and cruel mass murderer" and added, "You don't speak in my name."

Oh boy, European condolences for the death of a butcher and cruel mass murderer.

Where are all those fake tears for Olivier Vandecasteele and Johan Floderus your EU diplomat who is still been kidnapped by the regime.

You don't speak in my name.

— Theo Francken MP (@FranckenTheo) May 20, 2024

 China's President Xi Jinping characterized Raisi's passing as a "profound loss" for the Iranian populace, expressing friendship and solidarity between the two countries. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi conveyed prayers for the deceased Iranian leader and expressed unity with Iran's leadership and citizens during this tragic incident.

The Palestinian group Hamas expressed profound condolences and solidarity with Iran, commending Ebrahim Raisi and Hossein Amir-Abdollahian for their support of Palestine against Israel. Similarly, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah acknowledged the "martyrs' struggle in defending national causes" and prayed for Iran's resilience in overcoming this loss with patience and determination.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep sadness and shock, recognizing Raisi's contributions to strengthening India-Iran bilateral relations. Iraq's Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani also expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and officials. Pope Francis sent condolences to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following Raisi's death.

The United States officially offered condolences over the deaths of President Raisi, Foreign Minister Abdollahian, and other delegation members killed in the crash. However, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "As Iran selects a new president, we reaffirm our support for the Iranian people and their struggle for human rights and fundamental freedoms," in an apparent criticism of Raisi's human rights record. Miller clarified that the US does not wish to see anyone die under such circumstances.

Nonetheless, Raisi's death, dubbed the "Butcher of Tehran" for his alleged role in executing political prisoners in the 1980s, was met with celebrations by some Iranians. Videos circulated on social media depicting festive scenes, fireworks, and joyful chanting in Tehran, despite a heavy police presence. However, thousands of regime supporters also mourned Raisi's passing, holding prayers in his memory on the streets of Tehran.

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Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan called the moment of silence held for the late President Ebrahim Raisi at the UN Security Council a "disgrace."

Video: X/@giladerdan1

The request for the somber tribute came from the Russian, Chinese, and Algerian UN missions during a Security Council session on preventing an arms race in outer space. Mozambique's Ambassador Pedro Comissario Afonso, presiding over the council this month, called upon the members to stand and observe the moment of silence in remembrance of Raisi and the other crash victims.

Notably, Robert Wood, the US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, was among the officials who stood for the solemn observance. Erdan held a sign that read "The Butcher of Iran will not be missed." In a video on X, Erdan stated: "The UN Security Council observed a moment of silence today in memory of the mass murdering Iranian President Raisi. This council, which has taken no real steps to advance the release of our hostages, bowed its head for a man responsible for massacring and murdering thousands in Iran, Israel, and around the world! What is next? Will the council dedicate a moment of silence to commemorate Hitler? The Security Council has become a threat to global peace and security."

One brave man, Ambassador Gilad Erdan,@giladerdan1

Vs.

Many coward clowns at the UN Secretary Council, holding a moment of silence for the death of President Raisi known as "Butcher of Tehran." pic.twitter.com/wqcm7qlt0f

— Marziyeh Amirizadeh مرضیه امیری زاده (@MAmirizadeh) May 20, 2024

 Raisi had earned the chilling moniker "Butcher of Tehran" for his involvement in the execution of thousands of Iranian protesters during the 1980s, casting a dark shadow over his presidential legacy. Raisi's tenure as President was further marred by widespread protests against the oppressive Iranian regime, sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Amini, a woman arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly, died in police custody, igniting nationwide demonstrations. Authorities ruthlessly suppressed these protests, resulting in at least 500 casualties and tens of thousands of arrests, according to reports.

Moreover, The Wall Street Journal has reported that Raisi played a pivotal role in the planning of the October 7 massacre, a horrific atrocity carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas, an Iranian proxy group. This devastating tragedy, considered the largest massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, claimed the lives of over 1,200 individuals and led to the kidnapping of more than 250 hostages, who were taken to Gaza.

The United States had previously imposed sanctions on Raisi in 2019 for human rights violations, including the executions he oversaw in the 1980s. The moment of silence observed at the UN Security Council has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, highlighting the controversial legacy of the former Iranian President and the complex dynamics surrounding his remembrance on the global stage.

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Israel was not involved in the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash that also killed several members of his entourage, an Israeli official told Reuters on Monday. "It wasn't us," said the official, who requested anonymity.  Raisi, a hardliner and potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, officials and state media said on Monday.

The charred wreckage of the helicopter that crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, and six other passengers and crew was found early on Monday after an overnight search in blizzard conditions. "President Raisi, the foreign minister, and all the passengers in the helicopter were killed in the crash," a senior Iranian official told Reuters, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Video: Iranian exiles celebrate President Raisi's death in London / Credit: X

Raisi's death was later confirmed in a statement on social media by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and on state television. First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is expected to take over as president. State media reported that images from the site showed the US-made Bell 212 helicopter slammed into a mountain peak, although there was no official word on the cause of the crash. The dead also included the governor of East Azerbaijan Province and a senior imam from Tabriz city.

The helicopter went down in Varzeqan region north of Tabriz, state news agency IRNA reported, as Raisi returned from an official visit to the border with Azerbaijan in Iran's northwest. Raisi, 63, was elected president in 2021, and since taking office has ordered a tightening of morality laws, overseen a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers.

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Following the initial reports of Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister's helicopter crash and up until the official declaration of their death, despite the supreme leader Ali Khamenei's call for prayer and mourning – Iranians are celebrating worldwide. 

Civilians are seen firing celebratory fireworks in Tehran in a recent footage, with one of them saying "Let's celebrate the good news of Ebrahim Raisi's chopper crash," according to Iran International. Many more videos show Iranians cheering in response to the latest news, as well as many social media posts from across the world, celebrating using the hashtag #IranIsHappy.

Video: Celebrations in Tehran, Iran

In response, there are reports of the increasing presence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to prevent a potential uprising, followed by a statement issued by Iran's Cyber Police threatening social media users posting content that contrasts "public emotions," as posted by Iran international on X. 

Iranian-American journalist, author and women's rights activist Masih Alinejad has also expressed her glee, declaring today as "World Helicopter Day." She added this is "the only crash in history where everyone is worried if someone survived," alluding to the Iranian regime's brutal suppression of dissent and extreme violence towards women. 

Back in 2021, Alinejad spoke with Israel Hayom and stated that even then the Iranian society realized their joined enemy is the Regime, saying "I was taught to shout 'Death to Israel, death to America' and today, people are shouting 'Death to the regime.' Now the Iranian people are refusing to trample Israeli and American flags. The citizens of Iran are so brave. Our enemies aren't America and Israel, but the regime."

Videos sent to @IranIntl show a group of Iranians celebrating and dancing in front of the Iranian embassy in London after news broke on Sunday of Ebrahim Raisi's helicopter crash. pic.twitter.com/CqwYCABB1m

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) May 20, 2024

Jonathan Harounoff, an Israel and Iran journalist and analyst, explained the people's joyous response to Raisi's death: "Aside from being one of the most conservative presidents Iran has ever seen, Raisi rose to prominence in the Islamic Republic through the brutal judicial system where he was a member of the notorious 'Panel of Death,' sending thousands of political prisoners to the gallows. There's a reason why he earned the moniker 'Butcher of Tehran," he said to Iran International. "Widespread bureaucratic corruption, woeful economic mismanagement, sky-high inflation, high unemployment. Not to mention tight censorship and severe punishment or death for political dissent," he added. 

Wounded women dance with the news of Islamic Republic president's helicopter crash.
Sima and Mercedeh, were blinded and lost an arm during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" uprising, are now celebrating the possible death of Raisi, the Butcher of Iran.pic.twitter.com/SZp5VIqEPI

— Masih Alinejad (@AlinejadMasih) May 19, 2024

Expressing their immense joy, a group of Iranians was seen dancing and waving the Iranian and Israeli flags in front of the Iranian Embassy in London on Sunday, as news first emerged about the crash. Videos of victims of the Regim's brutality dancing and cheering appear all over social media, one of them by Mersedeh Shahinkar, who was shot by a security agent while protesting against the death of Mahsa Jina Amini – an Iranian woman who refused to wear a mandatory hijab – causing her to lose one of her eyes, and Sima Moradbeigi, a young mother who was shot by an IRGC guard during a protest, causing her to lost mobility in her right arm. 

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner long seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, officials and state media said on Monday. The charred wreckage of the helicopter that crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found early on Monday after an overnight search in blizzard conditions.

Video: Footage shows the crash site of a helicopter that carried Iran president / EPA/Iranian state TV (IRIB)

"President Raisi, the foreign minister, and all the passengers in the helicopter were killed in the crash," a senior Iranian official told Reuters, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Raisi's death was later confirmed in a statement on social media by Vice President Mohsen Mansouri and on state television. State TV reported that images from the site showed the aircraft slammed into a mountain peak, although there was no official word on the cause of the crash. State news agency IRNA said Raisi was flying in a US-made Bell 212 helicopter.

A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog, an Iranian official told Reuters, and rescuers were struggling to reach the site of the incident but on Monday morning rescuers, according to CNN, said there were no survivors at the site. After reaching the crash site hampered by fog and debilitating terrain, rescuers confirmed to state media that none of the nine passengers, including the president and the foreign minister, came out alive.

"President Raisi's helicopter was completely burned in the crash ... unfortunately, all passengers are feared dead," the official told Reuters. Rescue teams fought blizzards and difficult terrain through the night to reach the wreckage in East Azerbaijan province in the early hours of Monday. "We can see the wreckage and the situation does not look good," the head of Iran's Red Crescent, Pirhossein Kolivand, told state TV.

"With the discovery of the crash site, no signs of life have been detected among the helicopter's passengers." Earlier on Sunday, an official said the lives of Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian were "at risk following the helicopter crash", which happened on the way back from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan in Iran's northwest.

Iran's state TV is airing a live broadcast of prayers held at Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad for Raisi's health. pic.twitter.com/JA5R6bgYZS

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) May 19, 2024

Some reports indicate that communication has been lost, with the anti-Iranian outlet tweeting, based on the Revolutionary Guards outlet Fars that a person "who was aboard Raisi's chopper, had a brief phone call following the incident, but all their phones are now out of service." According to the official state agency IRNA, the helicopter carrying Raisi and several officials, including Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, made a hard landing on Sunday, and other reports indicate there were foggy conditions in the area.

Rescue teams are using drones to find the Iranian president's chopper in an area between Kalibar and Varzaghan regions in northwestern Iran, said the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society's Relief and Rescue Department.

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) May 19, 2024

There were 3 helicopters in this convoy, and two helicopters carrying some ministers and officials arrived safely at their destination, Iran's Tasnim news agency said. The agency said that the Iranian President, accompanied by his Azerbaijani counterpart inaugurated on Sunday a water dam on the border between the two countries. The incident happened after the end of the opening ceremony in the Iranian province of East Azerbaijan.

The news comes amid high tensions between Iran and its archenemy Israel, just weeks after Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles on Israel in retaliation for an alleged assassination of an Iranian general. The Iranian missile barrage was soon followed by an apparent Israeli counterstrike on a site in Isfahan, reportedly using three missiles that targeted a site not far from one of its main nuclear facilities. Israel has not directly acknowledged the attack but has repeatedly warned it will take action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

For years, Iran and Israel have engaged in a shadow war, with Iran supporting militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas that oppose Israel. Israel has carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinated Iranian nuclear scientists in an effort to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions. Both sides have warned of open conflict if the other crosses certain red lines.

Raisi, 63, was elected president at the second attempt in 2021, and since taking office has ordered a tightening of morality laws, overseen a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers. Many see him as burnishing his credentials to become Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's successor as Iran's Supreme Leader.

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President Ebrahim Raisi's death is not significant. It doesn't matter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei or the clerical regime either. From the perspective of the Iranian people, his presence or absence makes no difference. However, the government's failure to locate him for several hours – if not due to serious deliberate sabotage – indicates the incompetence of the Iranian regime.

Before delving into the elation and satisfaction of the majority of Iranians, it is crucial to address the current state of Iran. The military and security forces are primarily focused on handling the situation to prevent it from spiraling out of control. Khamenei, too, has called for prayers and contemplation, which suggests that this is no ordinary incident but rather an extraordinary and alarming development. Iran is on the verge of boiling over, with societal anger reaching levels beyond comprehension, and stands at the threshold of another wave of nationwide protests. However, the question remains: would Raisi's death intensify this wave?

The depth of the tragedy lies in the fact that Iranians can envision no future other than a disaster for their depleted and exhausted nation. An autocratic regime rules over Iran, transforming its rebellious and pain-stricken populace into a graveyard, plundered and ravaged. The regime's pretense of power abroad is taken lightly by no one. A decrepit regime, fundamentally misplaced in the 21st century, operates more as a kleptocracy than a government – a lawless band of irrational and predatory figures in power. This despotic and plunderous governance is merely a ruthless force wielding an iron fist, intimidating and flexing its muscles through fear and terror.

The enduring truth in the world of politics is that a government of murderous, brute, ignorant, and fanatical death merchants, an Islamic regime with a regressive and repressive nature, achieves nothing. Before the astonished eyes of the world, a complex of deceit, regression, fraud, malice, ugliness, crime, and stupidity governs the battered and afflicted Iran. In essence, a vast conglomerate of crime and folly – a government inept and incompetent, repressive, corrupt, and zealously religious – rules over Iran. Our beloved country, enduring endless miseries and chaos because of a demonic presence occupying the seat of power, is shattered. Iran's tragedy cannot be overlooked. 

The regime, out of breath, defeated, and bankrupt, still gruesomely sacrifices its youth; wielding the scythe of death, it sanctifies murder. This nightmare of the Iranian nation, this death-creating factory, continues the age-old tradition of the clerical school – engaging in detestable slaughter and reveling in its lethal decline. The concerted efforts of a government of fear, irrationality, and violence are to preserve, at any cost, an ugly, barbaric, and dark regime. Of course, a segment of the population, indoctrinated and traditional, still remains under the sway of these religious profiteers. Even the "gray zone" – thousands of Iranians who have disconnected from the living world – has realized that the government is aggressive, merciless, engaging in imprisonment, torture, and abductions, a death squad sending thousands to slaughterhouses and black sites. A storm of revelations, accusations, and denunciations pervades Iranian social networks.

For 45 years, the house of Iran has been burning. If no remedy is found to extinguish the fire, nothing of Iran will remain. The courageous and realistic young generation no longer accepts that this divine governance is sacrosanct and that rebellion against it is akin to rebelling against God. They have realized that former Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's proclamations on Feb. 5, 1979, were nonsensical. What the young Iranians miss is not the mullah's superstitions – the illogical and unacceptable religious tales – but their identity, pride, and the true image of Iran.

Iran, regressed, bloodied, and in mourning – disheartened, weary, bewildered, and hungry today, a nation afflicted and completely lost – must pass through this tunnel of horror and the consequences of the clerical regime's collapse. Fortunately, millions of bewildered Iranians, storm-born and shipwrecked, have grasped the meaning of Persian poet Hafez's poem: "A dark night, fearful of the wave, and such a dangerous whirlpool." The nation is no longer idle and does not want to be the shield for the calamity of the Islamic caliphate and the clerical executors of disaster-wielding clubs. The club-wielding members of Hezbollah and Tharallah, with their rhetoric of anger and usurpation, and their practice of drawing swords and committing murder – groups that have viciously attacked the Iranian nation throughout history – are sealing their own fate 

The notorious and dishonorable government of the mullahs – with a blatant sneer at the entire civilized world – reminds us of the Arab Age of Ignorance, but the mullahs or useless scavengers are nearing the end of their dream. No longer can a mullah mobilize millions under the guise of followers, aping through lies, deceit, and trickery; no longer can a mullah mobilize millions under the guise of followers, aping through lies, deceit, and trickery, because the people have recognized the vile nature of the wild mullahs, being the enforcers for 520 years.

This aggressive, vengeful, and spiteful group – devoted to destruction and execution – wanted to lull Iranians into a cradle of ignorance and superstition, but the Iranian society – driven by patriotic ideals, has instead followed the epic Shahnameh of Ferdowsi, not the religious explanations of Khomeini. Indeed, throughout Khomeini's writings, there is no mention of Iran, its culture, or its history. The ruling apparatus is alien to Iran's history, civilization, and culture and has established a government of God on Earth, not for Iran and Iranians but for their own void ideology: exporting Islamic terrorism and Khomeinism worldwide, plundering Iran's wealth, resources, and benefits. The social fabric of Iran is intertwined with the civil values of the Iranian people.

The trapped and bewildered people of Iran, enclosed within the walls of an Islamic prison, are earnestly and patriotically making efforts to break these ancient chains. Fortunately, there is a widespread opposition movement against Iran's current government, striving with all its might for the liberation of the country. Although historically, people do not spontaneously rise up, and uncalculated, unplanned, and uncoordinated uprisings are easily suppressed, fortunately, the Iranian people in these years have been forged in the crucible of adversity and have matured politically. They know that in this chaos, they cannot wait for a miraculous hand to emerge and act. Indeed, in the tumultuous history of the country, the Iranian nation has seen many floods and storms. The nation, always a creator of epics, has consistently preserved this ancient history, which is a proud reality of our past. Iran, throughout the centuries and across the expanse of history, has echoed its name. According to a clear and unequivocal historical fact, Iran is part of the ancient history of humanity because the light triumphs over darkness, and the undeniable reality of our history is that ancient Iran and its ancient culture have always been victorious.

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