The Iranian Regime: Reality and Truth

First and foremost, it is essential to emphasize that our dispute is with the Iranian regime, of which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is one of the most prominent centers of power and influence, and not with the Iranian people, as the regime and its followers attempt to portray the conflict or cast it in religious and sectarian terms. Dealing with the current Iranian regime and striving to achieve security and stability in the region require a deep understanding of this regime’s mindset and political philosophy, its perspective on neighboring countries, and its long-term strategic objectives. This understanding can be achieved by examining the ideology it has codified in its constitution and comparing it with its practices observed on the ground, thereby enabling us to determine the most appropriate approach to engaging with it.

Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the regime has embraced a revolutionary ideology that transcends Iran’s borders. This is evident in the preamble of the Iranian Constitution, which states, in reference to the style of governance in Islam: “Given the Islamic content of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, which was a movement aimed at securing victory for all the oppressed over the arrogant, this Constitution will create the conditions for the continuity of this revolution both within and outside the country.” The preamble further states, in reference to the ideological military forces: “The armed forces (referring to the Islamic Republic Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) are not only responsible for protection and border defense, but also bear the burden of their divine mission, namely, jihad in the cause of God and the struggle to spread the rulings of divine Sharia across the world.” These provisions reveal the transnational dimension of the ideology underpinning the Iranian regime, which has subsequently been reflected in its regional policies and interventions in the affairs of neighboring states.

Under the umbrella of this ideology, the Iranian regime has worked to establish political and military wings beyond its borders and to support armed groups in several countries in the region, thereby enabling it to expand its influence, interfere in the internal affairs of those states, and threaten their security and stability. Therefore, we should not be surprised by the regime’s actions, even toward some countries with which it maintains political relations or understandings. Experience has shown that such relationships do not necessarily guarantee that these countries’ interests will be shielded from threats. The Iranian regime’s view of regional security is rooted in the concept of influence and hegemony, rather than the principle of equal partnership among sovereign states. Without a change in this concept, any political understandings will remain vulnerable to setbacks, and tensions will persist, regardless of the number of agreements and diplomatic meetings.

However, the core issue is not solely the Iranian regime’s perspective on the region, but rather our own reality and our capacity to safeguard our security and interests. Here, I am specifically referring to the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The primary responsibility lies with us to build a Gulf framework capable of deterring aggression, protecting national sovereignty, and enforcing mutual respect through strategic decisions that enhance our collective strength and raise the cost of any attempt to threaten or interfere in our affairs. The call for acquiring strength does not advocate aggression against others; rather, it means possessing the capability to deter others from even contemplating aggression against us.

The Arab Gulf states possess sufficient human, economic, financial, and military resources, as well as a strategic geographic location and significant political weight, to qualify as an influential regional power capable of protecting its interests and actively participating in shaping the future security of the region. The real challenge facing the Gulf states is not a lack of capabilities, but rather their ability to transform these capabilities into a unified force that commands respect, safeguards sovereignty, and preserves the future of their generations.

This is what we will address in the next article, God willing. Stay safe.