A Message to the Iranian Leadership... Is There Any Reader or Listener?

Mohsen Rezaei, a senior Iranian national security official, stated that his country had inflicted a political defeat on U.S. President Donald Trump, citing the Republicans’ loss in the midterm elections held a few days prior, as well as a defeat in the Strait of Hormuz, and warned that anyone who attacks Iran will pay the price.

This is arrogant folly. In reality, all the region’s problems stem from Iran and its proxies, and its interference in Arab affairs. Moreover, those who claim Iran is in a good position are mistaken: its economy is collapsing, and its people are waiting for the regime’s fall so they can feel free and dignified. True victory lies not in empty media rhetoric and enthusiasm, but in wise leadership that listens to and responds to the people’s demands and works to improve their living conditions.

Years ago, we repeatedly advised Iran that it had squandered numerous economic opportunities, harming its people’s livelihoods and its national currency, despite possessing abundant natural resources and long coastlines. It could have become a developed state in the Gulf, but it chose a medieval approach, leading to its backwardness. This demonstrates that Iran lacks a seasoned finance minister or a competent advisory team to guide its leadership during crises. It did not heed our advice until the United States and Israel launched a war against it, which eliminated key political and military leaders and severely damaged critical infrastructure.

We urge Iran to study history. Has it read about the wars between Denmark and Sweden and the outcomes and lessons they yielded?

Denmark engaged in numerous wars with Sweden, totaling around 11 conflicts, known by various names such as the Danish-Swedish War, the Seven Years’ War, the Kalmar War, the Torstenson War, the Scanian War, the Great Northern War, and the Pomeranian War.

Over time, Denmark realized the magnitude of the material and human losses from these wars, recognizing that its military and political approach was flawed. It would have been better for Denmark to reconcile with Sweden, lay down its arms, and allow both societies to achieve development and peace.

Following the devastating Danish-Swedish wars, both countries came to believe that international relations should not be based on the “I win, you lose” mentality, but rather on the principle of “I win, and you win too.” Interests are realized through concessions, with each side sacrificing some of its demands, avoiding a dynamic of victor and vanquished. Negotiations should allow each party to say, “I conceded A, B, and C, but gained X, Y, and Z.” Consequently, both countries improved, and eventually, all restrictions on the movement of people between them were abolished, without the need for passports or national ID cards, within the framework of the European Common Market, which later became the European Union.

I visited Denmark in 1975 and found it to be a first-class advanced country with a sophisticated society where its people speak more than one language. Walking through its streets, one feels as though they are in a beautiful garden.

Europe endured over a thousand years of religious and ethnic wars, with millions dying between World War I and the end of World War II. Afterward, Europeans recognized their grave mistakes and decided to embark on an irreversible path away from religious fanaticism. It would have been better for Iran to open a new page in its relations with Arabs, attracting Gulf, European, and American investments. This would open employment opportunities for millions of Iranians, raising their living standards and freeing them from poverty. Today, true power is not military might, but economic strength. However, Iran chose a medieval approach, leading to its backwardness and interference in Arab affairs, which resulted in the destruction of Arab countries, the deaths of many, and the loss of property. Iran does not consider political negotiation, yet the Danish-Swedish lesson is of paramount importance, especially for Iran.