It appears that Iran has transitioned from religious fascism to military and security fascism. Clearly, the Revolutionary Guard is in control and it is working to weaken the Iranian presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament. If we consider that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf served as an officer and head of the Khatam Al-Anbiya Construction headquarters, it indicates that civilian rule no longer exists. The absence of the Iranian Supreme Leader from important political and military events while his country is at war means that he is merely a scarecrow used only when needed. Iran resembles a multi-headed state, each faction exerting its power over the others—its neighbors and the world—through statements attributed to the elusive Supreme Leader.
Consequently, Tehran reneged on the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United States, provoking the world through the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard continues to blackmail neighboring countries, hoping to achieve certain objectives. Reality always contradicts dreams, especially those of a midsummer night. The Revolutionary Guard’s attacks will backfire on it sooner rather than later. In the past, we were accustomed to the Iranian Supreme Leader appearing in important occasions. Khomeini used to deliver direct public speeches.
Khamenei was also keen on addressing his people and the world, even in the most difficult circumstances. It has been almost five months since the assassination of the previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, yet his successor remains out of the public eye. According to reports citing Iranian officials, the Iranian leadership fears that the Supreme Leader will be targeted; hence, his reluctance to appear in person and his reliance on written statements. Information leaked from Iranian officials, however, indicates that the Supreme Leader was injured, his face disfigured, and limbs amputated in the same attack that killed his father. This confirms that the ‘third Supreme Leader’ is nothing more than a ‘scarecrow’.
