By Mahmoud Hakamian
Following recent remarks made by the US Secretary of Defense James Mattis based on the importance of regime change in Iran, we have been witnessing extreme reactions from the Iranian regime. Why?
For two reasons Mattis’ remarks are nothing normal:
1- The very nature of such words emphasizing on regime change
2- Such a senior US official making these remarks
This is not a US senator or representative making these remarks, although theirs would also be important. When the US Secretary of Defense, being a member of the President’s national security team that decides on policies, emphasizes on regime change in Iran, it is obvious how important the matter is.
Why didn’t Iran simply react through a few words from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
The regime itself must answer this question. If according to the words of the IRGC commander Mohammad Ali Jafari this regime is actually a regional power, boasting now about the victory in Mosul being made possible by Iran’s efforts, why have they made so much noise after Mattis’ remarks?
It is quite obvious the mullah’s regime is very shaky and such remarks containing “regime change” is another version of saying “overthrow”. Other similar cases have hit Tehran right on target, on its utmost sensitive spot, targeting its instability and lack of any hope for its future.
Mattis’ recent remarks is another episode in a series of such statements making Iran very nervous as all speak of regime change.
It is worth noting that US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson first raised the issue of peaceful regime change on June 14th.
Former US ambassador to the UN John Bolton on July 7th said the solution for the Middle East is regime change in Iran.
Amongst these harsh lines are those expressed by US President Donald Trump and US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley being very close to the ones already mentioned.
Placing all of the new US administration’s positions and actions, with only 6 months into its term, Iran is already seeing dangerous signs and expressing its concerns through its media. Prior to this the Obama administration specifically adopted a policy of trekking alongside this regime.
The US Senate has approved major sanctions against Iran through a 98-2 vote. If this bill is adopted it will carry much weight and meaning. White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders recently stressed how ever Congress adopts its resolution, the administration will continue its policy of increasing sanctions and pressure on Tehran.
Considering the political-social situation in Iran depicting a nation of unrest, international isolation for the regime and deepening rifts amongst the mullahs’ senior hierarchy, such remarks from the US Defense Secretary would of course leave Tehran terrified.
Iranian opposition leader Maryam Rajavi in an annual rally on June 1st emphasized on three major subjects:
1- The Need to overthrow the Iranian regime
2- This necessity being at reach
3- Iranian regime has an alternative that could materialize this necessity
It is interesting to note that when Iran’s state TV on Tuesday was covering Mattis’ remarks they unexpectedly aired the words of US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher emphasizing on the necessity to support the Iranian opposition.
Tehran knows very well where the main threat comes from and knows where the next step will lead to
