The hidden Iranian guide is nothing but a 'deadly illusion'
It has long been the custom among Gulf farmers to make a “scarecrow,” known in the Egyptian dialect as “khayal al-mat’a.” Crafted from straw or interlaced wood and dressed in some clothes, it is used to frighten birds away from crops.
This “scarecrow” exists in every nation and represents an ancient tradition that saves farmers considerable effort. However, following the killing of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the appointment of his son as his successor, it appears that the person currently ruling Iran is merely a “khayal al-mat’a.” The son has not yet made a public appearance, to the extent that he was absent from his father’s funeral procession, while statements were issued in his name.
In this climate, Iran seems to have shifted from religious fascism to military and security fascism. As events indicate, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) holds the reins of power and has worked to weaken the presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Iranian parliament.
Considering that the Speaker of the Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, was a colonel and responsible for the headquarters of the “Seal of the Prophets” (a reference to Khamenei), this indicates that civilian rule no longer exists. The Supreme Leader’s absence from key political and military junctures, while his country is engaged in war, means he is merely a “scarecrow,” whose image is deployed only when necessary.
Consequently, the current situation resembles a hydra-headed state, where each faction exerts its power over the others, as well as over neighbors and the world, by attributing statements to the Supreme Leader, while the man himself remains offstage.
On this basis, Tehran evaded the “memorandum of understanding” with the United States by failing to comply with it, and sought to provoke the world through the Strait of Hormuz, while the IRGC continues to extort neighboring countries in hopes of achieving some of its objectives. However, reality always disproves dreams, especially on a sweltering summer night, as is the case today, and its bombing campaign will sooner or later rebound against it.
It is worth noting that we used to see the Iranian Supreme Leader appear at pivotal moments. Khomeini spoke to the people publicly, and his successor, the elder Khamenei, appeared to address his people and the world even under the most difficult circumstances.
However, nearly five months after the Supreme Leader’s assassination, his successor remains hidden from view. If we take into account reports from Iranian officials suggesting that the leadership fears direct targeting of the Supreme Leader, thereby restricting his appearances to written statements, and considering leaks from Iranian officials claiming he was injured in the same attack that killed his father, suffering limb injuries and facial disfigurement, this confirms that the “Third Supreme Leader” is nothing more than a “scarecrow.”
Anyone familiar with how Iranian narratives are constructed, and the absolute secrecy practiced regarding certain news and figures, understands that the man (until he appears publicly, if ever) is merely a “khayal al-mat’a,” particularly because the internal situation is extremely sensitive and resentment is growing. The popular fervor burns brighter beneath the ashes of war, which has become an excuse for the ruling clique, especially the IRGC, which has built a financial and economic empire larger than the domestic economy and will not relinquish it easily. Therefore, the “scarecrow of Mojtaba Khamenei” is always ready if the Guard or officials sense weakness, allowing them to blame the Supreme Leader and evade responsibility.
