Mohsen Sazegara, a founding member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), offered a scathing critique of the organization he helped create in an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post. Now living in exile in the United States, Sazegara provided unique insights into the Iranian Revolution, the IRGC's evolution, and the current state of Iran's leadership.
"This is a monster right now," Sazegara said of the IRGC. He described it as a "dragon with seven different heads," involved in everything from terrorism to drug smuggling. This stark assessment comes from a man who was once at the heart of Iran's revolutionary movement.
Sazegara recounted his role in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, including his close work with Ayatollah Khomeini. "He was very clever, very smart," Sazegara said of Khomeini, offering a rare personal glimpse into the iconic leader's character. The IRGC, originally conceived as a people's army, was partly inspired by Israel's military structure, a surprising revelation from Sazegara.
The interview took a critical turn as Sazegara labeled the current Iranian leadership a "kleptocracy," estimating that up to half of Iran's economy may be tied to Supreme Leader Khamenei's personal fortune. This economic stranglehold, Sazegara argues, is at the core of Iran's current challenges.
On the topic of Iran-Israel tensions, Sazegara disclosed that Iran is not in a position to engage in a prolonged conflict with Israel, citing internal military assessments. This admission offers a rare glimpse into the strategic thinking within Iran's highest military circles.
Sazegara's journey from revolutionary to regime critic is a testament to the complex political landscape of Iran. After holding various high-ranking positions in the early years of the Islamic Republic, he became disillusioned with the regime's direction. "The problem of this regime is not accidental: It's essential. It's in the theory of this regime," Sazegara explained, recounting his shift towards reformist politics in the late 1980s.
The exiled dissident pointed to women and Generation Z as key forces that could potentially bring down the Islamic regime, highlighting the demographic shifts that are reshaping Iran's political landscape. This perspective offers a glimmer of hope for those seeking change in Iran.
Sazegara also offered insights into Iran's current predicament, particularly regarding its stance against Israel. He revealed that Iranian military commanders have advised Khamenei that the country is not prepared for a war with Israel, lacking strategic balance and adequate air defenses. The interview also touched on Iran's economic fragility and the lack of popular support for conflict with Israel, further complicating Khamenei's position.
Now 69 and living in the U.S., Sazegara continues his fight for a democratic Iran. His story embodies the tumultuous journey of a nation grappling with the aftermath of revolution and the ongoing struggle for freedom. As Iran faces mounting internal and external pressures, Sazegara's unique perspective offers valuable insights into the country's past, present, and potential future.
This explosive interview not only sheds light on the inner workings of one of the world's most controversial regimes but also raises critical questions about Iran's future trajectory. As tensions in the Middle East continue to simmer, the words of this former insider turned critic resonate with particular urgency, offering a rare window into a nation at a crossroads.
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