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The Enduring State of Israel and the Decline of Iran
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with a group of students in Tehran, Iran, Nov. 2, 2022. Photo: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS
In the contemporary discourse on Middle Eastern politics, two contrasting narratives are becoming increasingly apparent. On one side is Israel, a nation consistently thriving amidst adversity, its democratic institutions and technological advancements positioning it as a beacon of stability and innovation in a volatile region.
On the other side is the Supreme Leader of Iran’s regime. His theocratic governance is evidently in decline, marred by internal discontent and international condemnation. The regime in Tehran faces mounting challenges — from crippling sanctions and a deteriorating economy, to widespread protests demanding civil liberties and government accountability. This stark contrast between a thriving democratic state and a theocratic regime in decline underscores the shifting dynamics of power and influence in the Middle East, painting a complex picture of resilience and resistance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Currently, American universities witness a disturbing trend where radical Islamic lobbies, subtly infused with anti-Western ideologies, manipulate emotional and adventurous students. These groups orchestrate vulgar and meaningless spectacles against Israel and global Jewry. The essence of these orchestrated movements is not to enlighten or educate, but to exert undue pressure on Israel, with the ultimate aim of isolating and demonizing the nation.
It is notably concerning that while these academic protests flourish, global responses to Hamas’ provocations and the broader terrorist network supported by Iran are tepid at best. International forums and media largely overlook the egregious actions of Hamas, and fail to hold the Islamic Republic accountable for its continued sponsorship of terrorism. This selective outrage is a stark reflection of misplaced priorities in global diplomacy and media, where the voices that should advocate for peace and justice are paradoxically silenced.
The predominantly leftist media outlets have played a pivotal role in shaping a narrative that often favors the oppressor under the guise of fighting imperialism. The dangerous ideologies of radical Islam and the nefarious activities of groups like the Quds Force are routinely underreported. This bias extends to the portrayal of figures like Supreme Leader Khamenei, who despite their clear support for global terrorism, are treated with undue respect and legitimacy by international media.
History and current events suggest that the rule of Khamenei and his regime is unsustainable. By August 6, 2023, Khamenei will have been in a position of power for exactly 35 years, neither elected by the people’s vote nor removed from office. This tenure eerily mirrors the ominous 37-year reign of the Qajar Sultan. Just as the late period of Fath-Ali Shah’s rule brought severe economic troubles that pushed Iran to the brink of collapse, Khamenei’s era has seen similar challenges.
The lack of legitimacy and popularity among Iranians, coupled with severe economic downturns and environmental crises, point towards an impending collapse. The Iranian regime’s stubborn adherence to a foreign policy marked by terrorism further alienates it globally, setting the stage for its eventual downfall.
A Tale of Two Futures
While Iran grapples with the consequences of its actions under Khamenei’s regime, Israel continues to solidify its place as a permanent and stable fixture in the Middle East. The stark contrast between the progressive endurance of Israel and the regressive governance of Iran underscores a broader geopolitical shift, signaling a realignment of power and influence in the region. Israel, with its commitment to democratic principles and technological innovation, exemplifies adaptability and foresight in governance. In contrast, Iran’s adherence to a rigid and oppressive system results in economic stagnation and societal unrest.
The young generation of Israel watches this unfold, likely to witness the dismantling of the outdated and oppressive caliphate envisioned by Iran’s current leaders. This scenario offers a lesson in the resilience and triumph of progressive governance over authoritarianism.
By observe these unfolding events, the international community must recalibrate its perceptions and recognize the resilience of Israel amidst the tumultuous landscape of Middle Eastern politics. It is imperative for global actors to understand the long-term implications of these shifts and support the processes that foster stability and peace in the region.
Erfan Fard is a counterterrorism analyst and Middle East Studies researcher based in Washington, D.C. X: @EQFARD
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Pro-Palestinian Rapper Leads ‘Death to the IDF’ Chant at English Music festival
Revellers dance as Avril Lavigne performs on the Other Stage during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 30, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
i24 News – Chants of “death to the IDF” were heard during the English Glastonbury music festival on Saturday ahead of the appearance of the pro-Palestinian Irish rappers Kneecap.
One half of punk duo based Bob Vylan (who both use aliases to protect their privacy) shouted out during a section of their show “Death to the IDF” – the Israeli military. Videos posted on X (formerly Twitter) show the crowd responding to and repeating the cheer.
This comes after officials had petitioned the music festival to drop the band. The rap duo also expressed support for the following act, Kneecap, who the BCC refused to show live after one of its members, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – better known by stage name Mo Chara – was charged with a terror offense.
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Rubio Holds First Meeting with Hostage Families, Urges End to Gaza War
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, US, April 10, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Nathan Howard
i24 News – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held on Friday his first meeting with the families of the hostages still held in Gaza since taking office in January, telling the loved ones that a “real victory” can only occur in Gaza when the remaining hostages are returned.
Those in attendance included Omri Miran’s brother-in-law; Evyatar David’s brother; Hadar Goldin’s brother; and Iair Horn, who himself is a freed hostage, with his brother Eitan still held by Hamas in Gaza.
According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, they urged the current US administration for a “bold decision.” “We’ve waited long enough,” the family members said. “It’s time to make brave decisions and bring all our loved ones back—all at once.”
Rubio, in turn, expressed the Trump administration’s “unwavering commitment” in rescuing the 49 remaining hostages, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
This meeting comes after U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that he believes a ceasefire will be reached between Israel and Hamas “within the next week.”
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Trump Says He Would Consider Bombing Iran Again, Drops Sanctions Relief Plan
US President Donald Trump speaks at a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (not pictured), at the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, June 25, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Brian Snyder
US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamanei, on Friday, dropped plans to lift sanctions on Iran and said he would consider bombing Iran again if Tehran is enriching uranium to worrisome levels.
Trump reacted sternly to Khamanei’s first remarks after a 12-day conflict with Israel that ended when the United States launched bombing raids last weekend against Iranian nuclear sites.
Khamanei said Iran “slapped America in the face” by launching an attack against a major US base in Qatar following the US bombing raids. Khamanei also said Iran would never surrender.
Trump said he had spared Khamanei’s life. US officials told Reuters on June 15 that Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan to kill the supreme leader.
“His Country was decimated, his three evil Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED, and I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life,” Trump said in a social media post.
“I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH,” he said.
Iran said a potential nuclear deal was conditional on the US ending its “disrespectful tone” toward the Supreme Leader.
“If President Trump is genuine about wanting a deal, he should put aside the disrespectful and unacceptable tone towards Iran’s Supreme Leader, Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, and stop hurting his millions of heartfelt followers,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X in the early hours of Saturday.
Trump also said that in recent days he had been working on the possible removal of sanctions on Iran to give it a chance for a speedy recovery. He said he had now abandoned that effort.
“I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust, and immediately dropped all work on sanction relief, and more,” he said.
Trump said at a White House news conference that he did not rule out attacking Iran again, when asked about the possibility of new bombing of Iranian nuclear sites if deemed necessary at some point.
“Sure, without question, absolutely,” he said.
Trump said he would like inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency – the U.N. nuclear watchdog – or another respected source to be able to inspect Iran’s nuclear sites after they were bombed last weekend.
Trump has rejected any suggestion that damage to the sites was not as profound as he has said.
The IAEA chief, Rafael Grossi, said on Wednesday that ensuring the resumption of IAEA inspections was his top priority as none had taken place since Israel began bombing on June 13.
However, Iran’s parliament approved moves on Wednesday to suspend such inspections. Araqchi indicated on Friday that Tehran may reject any request by the head of the agency for visits to Iranian nuclear sites.
Trump said Iran still wants to meet about the way forward. The White House had said on Thursday that no meeting between the U.S. and an Iranian delegation has been scheduled thus far.
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