Sovereign state under assault
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Iran describes its political system in a framework of "religious democracy" — the "Islamic Republic" established by "Imam Khomeini" in 1979, headed by the "Supreme Leader" under the doctrine of "Velayat-e Faqih" (Guardianship of the Jurist). Western and Israeli pressure across all phases — sanctions, support for opposition, broadcasting, military action — is framed as a single 45-year imperial "regime change" campaign disguised under successive pretexts (nuclear, terrorism, human rights). The diaspora opposition is delegitimised: the "MEK" / "Mojahedin-e Khalq" is termed "Munafiqin" (the hypocrites) and "foreign-backed terrorists" responsible for thousands of Iranian deaths; the "Pahlavi pretender" Reza Pahlavi is framed as an irrelevant son of an overthrown dictator; "Iran International" is framed as Saudi-funded propaganda. The 2022-2023 protests are framed as "foreign-instigated unrest" stoked by hostile media — "rioters" rather than "protesters" — though the underlying social grievances are sometimes acknowledged. The 2025 and 2026 Israeli and American strikes on Iranian leadership are framed as "war crimes" and "state terrorism" against a sovereign government; the "martyrdom" of "Imam Khamenei" and Larijani is framed as elevating them rather than ending their authority, and as binding the Iranian nation in unity against the aggressor. Resilience framing dominates: "we will not bow", "stronger after every blow", "national unity in the face of aggression". The narrative prescribes: continued sovereignty without external concessions, military preparedness for further aggression, sustained orderly succession (the Assembly of Experts process), continued material and rhetorical pressure on Western and Israeli legitimacy, and rejection of any negotiating framework that treats the Islamic Republic as a temporary or replaceable government.
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Visits Imam Khomeini Mausoleum in TehranFars News AgencyJan 31
- Ayatollah Khamenei martyred in US-Israeli attackIRNAMar 1
- At Least 8 Martyred in US-Israeli Strikes on Iconic Bridge Near TehranFars NewsApr 4
- Iranian officials mourn martyrdom of Larijani in US-Israeli attack, vow to avenge his bloodPress TVMar 17
- Putin congratulates Iran on election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as new LeaderPress TVMar 9
- FM Araghchi condoles martyrdom of Ali Larijani in a ‘terrorist act’ by US, IsraelPress TVMar 18