The recent outbreak of conflict in the Middle East has highlighted the vital role played by Iran in the region’s instability. Despite denying involvement, Iran’s support for proxy forces has been crucial in fueling the ongoing crisis. The events following October 7 sparked intense discussions, with much focus on Iran’s role in the crisis. Initially, Iranian regime officials strongly defended the attack, portraying it as a significant victory. However, they later attempted to distance themselves from the event and downplay any responsibility.
Most analysts agree that to comprehensively address the crisis, the key lies in addressing its root cause: Iran. However, there is differing opinions on how to approach the problem.
The current crisis in the Middle East can largely be traced back to the West’s policy of appeasement towards Iran. By ignoring the destructive actions of the Iranian regime, the West has inadvertently allowed Iran to spread terror in the region. A new report by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) emphasizes, “The Iranian regime has been instrumental in financing, arming, and training proxy forces in various countries, resulting in the proliferation of violence.”
Those in favor of the policy of appeasement towards Iran’s regime caution that taking a firm stance against Tehran’s provocative actions could lead to an all-out war with the regime.
Contrary to the narrative pushed by the Iranian regime and its supporters, a direct war with the United States and the West would pose a significant threat to the regime’s existence.
Instead, the regime employs a calculated strategy of exporting internal crises and engaging in foreign warmongering to maintain its grip on power. The NCRI highlights, “The regime’s interventions in other countries through proxies are solely aimed at maintaining its grip on power, concealing internal crises, and preempting uprisings that could threaten its rule.”
The policy of appeasement has not only failed to prevent war but has also inadvertently enabled the Iranian regime to fuel conflicts in the region. Proxy forces backed by Iran, such as those in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, have sparked sectarian wars and caused significant loss of life. The consequences of this misguided policy are evident today, with the Middle East embroiled in yet another significant conflict. The NCRI emphasizes, “Turning a blind eye to these interventions and appeasing the regime only serves to fuel its strategic objectives.”
The oppressive control exerted by the clerical regime is at the heart of the ongoing crisis. The regime’s survival depends on diverting attention from domestic discontent and avoiding direct confrontation with powerful adversaries. Instead, it strategically intervenes in the region through proxies to maintain control and perpetuate its rule.
A transformative shift is necessary to bring lasting resolution to the crisis in the Middle East. Regime change in Iran is imperative, as the current regime’s existence relies on its ability to export crises and manipulate conflicts. By appeasing Iran’s regime, the international community inadvertently supports its destabilizing actions and perpetuates the cycle of violence. The NCRI warns, “The intricate web of crisis creation and warmongering in the region is intrinsically tied to the regime’s survival instincts.” Recognizing and addressing the root cause of the crisis is crucial for promoting stability and accountability in the region.