د. مصطفى عبدالقادر

The article argues that Western policy toward Iran has failed because it is trapped between diplomatic appeasement and direct military confrontation, both of which are said to strengthen Tehran’s position. It presents the Iranian regime as dependent on repression, regional tension and emergency conditions for survival, while identifying domestic protest and organized resistance as its greatest threat. Citing an alleged temporary loss of security control in Mashhad during a January uprising, the article claims that internal opposition could disrupt the regime if provided with logistical and informational support. It advocates a “third option” combining deterrence of Iran’s external actions with intensified pressure over domestic abuses, including executions, forced disappearances, internet restrictions and communications access. The article concludes that international recognition of the Iranian people’s right to self-determination is necessary to replace the current system with an independent democratic republic.