London, Asharq Al-Awsat-In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat conducted on the side-lines of his visit to the British Houses of Parliament, former Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, claimed that all those in government in Iran are puppets controlled by the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Pahlavi said, Ultimately, the name of the president is not important, for it is Khamenei’s word that is law. Concerning Egyptian-Iranian diplomatic relations, Pahlavi said, There are common interests and others that are not so common. If we take both countries’ positions on Israel and the West, we can see that they are similar. However, ideologically speaking, the government pillars in Tehran want to control the Arab World. Reza Pahlavi fled Iran at age 17 following the outbreak of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
The following is the text of the interview:
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What are your current political activities?
[Pahlavi] My political involvement started in Cairo when my father passed away in 1980, namely 33 years ago. For the last two years, my main focus has been on the Green Movement and what it could achieve, particularly after the level of integration between society and politics became clear to me. It was important for us to find the means to embrace this and to facilitate and organise the activities of the Iranian opposition and the deliberation of its message and demands. So, I began networking with this new generation of activists. We found the ground for mutual understanding and we agreed that it was time to create an Iranian National Council. The opposition has to find a common basis of principles and values for itself, which would also be the basis for political cooperation. Without this, no group can mobilize towards achieving a common political objective.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Was the suggestion for establishing this council your personal initiative?
[Pahlavi] I found that there is something lacking in the political arena when it comes to the Iranian opposition. The opposition has many organizations, but no centralized organization that can express the opposition’s demands and provide synchronisation. Discussions on creating such a council began several years ago, but this became increasingly required following the 2009 protests in Iran. The need for a council, subsequently, grew in importance with the results of the Iranian elections, the lack of development on the nuclear talks’ front, the various crises placed on hold, and the lack of domestic security. The country hit a dead end when the system sought to suppress all the forces intent on change. An alternative was necessary not only for the Iranians, but also for the international community. This idea was very significant and it became a priority of mine. Thus, we worked on this project in order to produce a programme that defines our principles and goals, as well as underlining the proposal for establishing a council abroad. Of course, it was not possible to have such an institute that opposes the Iranian regime launched in Iran. We needed a place where Iranians at home and abroad could get together, where we can re-establish our links with the international community. The latter needs to know who to turn to and establish communications with in order for them to support the Iranian opposition. For this reason, I decided to become more visible and involved in putting this project together.
Our council will meet for the first time this coming March in order to endorse those proposals and to look into possible modifications. Our mission is not to say that we are an alternative to the regime, but to obtain consensus concerning our involvement and contribution towards finding those who would provide the right to free elections to the Iranian people. We say to the world that it is crucial for the regime to acknowledge the right of the people to free elections that are consistent with international standards. On the other hand, I am aware that the chances of this happening are slim, as I cannot see this regime voluntarily granting this.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] How many groups have joined your initiative?
[Pahlavi]More than thirteen groups. So far, we have over thirty-five thousand signatures in support of the project.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Did you receive international support to establish this council?
[Pahlavi] No. We have not sought any non-Iranian sources to set-up this project. However, many international entities that I have talked to about this project have been encouraging. . Following our meeting, the UK Parliament emphasised that they would be happy to receive a delegation to discuss the project, which is a very good sign. Also, before I came to London, I met with the President of the European Parliament who expressed his conviction that it is necessary to establish an organised opposing entity and that it is time to construct a mechanism to engage in dialogue with the opposition, not just with the regime. The President feels positive about our initiative and he welcomed our invitation to attend the council’s meeting. We also received a number of positive messages from several countries and organisations. These are all good signs. There is a visible difference in the communications that is currently being received by the Iranian opposition now and two or three years ago. This is a clear indication of serious change, while everybody is searching for a solution to the crisis, particularly as everybody is aware of the elephant in the room, namely the issue of a nuclear Iran.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What’s your view of the current situation in Iran?
[Pahlavi] Iranian society is under a great deal of strain and it is facing economic hardship. It has no hope in the future. The people want a better future. If the political arena does not come up with a solution, then we do not know what could happen. This may have a very painful price. During our meeting, the President of the European Parliament emphasised that the main concern is not just the nuclear issue in Iran, but also the issue of human rights violations. He stressed that, We cannot only talk about the regime. We should direct our attention towards the people, including the opposition groups. I believe that the world has tired of all these negotiations. The world could say, We are tired of diplomacy so let us go to war. However, this is not a solution either. We need a solution that will avoid any of the paths that lead to military confrontation. Dialogue should not be directed solely towards the regime. We should talk to the Iranian people and convince them that change is possible.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] How do you evaluate Iran’s presence in the Syrian crisis?
[Pahlavi] Iran has always had an external line of defence or what is know as the advanced defensive line, as is the case with Syria. They deploy their supports in various places in order to use them as and when needed. Losing Syria will be extremely costly for Iran, as the Iranian regime needs its Syrian counterpart. If the Syrian regime collapses, Iran would lose an extremely important ally. Relations between Damascus and Tehran continued after the Syrian uprising. The Iranian regime has been using the Syrian regime as an access key, which explains its attachment to and support of the Syrian regime.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] This brings us to a discussion on Hezbollah and its role in the Syrian crisis. Would you agree that Syria has served as a primary bridge for Iranian aid and support to Hezbollah?
[Pahlavi] This is correct. Hezbollah will no longer be able to receive the support of Iran. Furthermore, I would like to bring attention to a report, released a few weeks ago, concerning the anonymous source of weapons, which were later discovered to be Iranian. It was revealed that these Iranian weapons have played a role in the conflicts and crises that have broken out in Africa. Everyone should realize that Iran has its eyes fixed, not only on the region, but beyond. Everybody is talking about the possibility of reaching an agreement with the regime. However, they remain unaware of the fact that this regime only exists to promote its views and ideologies. It seems that Iran is not their number one problem and that they are not really concerned about the country. If they were really concerned, they would care about the hunger and poverty in Iran and about the Iranian funds spent to support the Syrian regime. These funds were supposed to have been designated for domestic affairs in Iran. So, why are they dragging the country towards economic collapse and a potential military incursion? The Iranian regime wants to export its ideologies and in order to do so it needs to possess nuclear weapons.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] This brings up questions about the domestic situation in Iran. What is your view of the domestic political situation, not to mention the social conditions? Is daily life in Iran functioning normally, as claimed by the regime?
[Pahlavi] Politically speaking, what is happening in Iran is oppression. This was apparent following the last elections. There is no freedom of expression when it might be seen as a challenge to the regime. The regime cannot be infiltrated. Concerning the economy, which is obviously linked to politics, the sanctions imposed on Iran have had a massive impact on the economy. This obliged people to reduce their expenditures by more than half-not to mention the subsequent inflation. Today, an ordinary family can only afford an average of one kilogram of meat per month. Look at the value of currency! If you are to take a look at the economic history of Iran and at the indications for the people’s satisfaction, or lack of satisfaction, then the best place to look is the Bazaar. The Bazaar is considered one of the most important of such social indications. This has long been a measurement for social conditions in Iran. When the Bazaar starts to express anger, then this means that society at large is furious.
Furthermore, factories are closed and there are no new industrial projects. Chinese products have flooded the market, which makes it impossible for small local producers to compete. This situation started with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC), which is considered to be the spine of the regime. The IRGC was fed by the regime and was satisfied through being given investment allowances. In reality, the IRGC was supposed to have protected the revolution. However, it hungered for more, not only for riches, but also for power. The situation became more of an I scratch your back, you scratch mine scenario. This would explain the reason behind the mutual protection and support between Khamenei and Ahmadinejad.
However this was all before the sanctions. Introducing the sanctions into the picture made the economic situation even worse-not to mention lack of freedom of expression and violations of human rights. The situation could explode at any moment.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Regarding the Iranian Foreign Minister’s recent visit to Egypt and the exchange of invites between Mursi and Ahmadinejad, are these indications that the relations between Cairo and Tehran are improving?
[Pahlavi] There are common interests and others that are not so common. If we take both countries’ positions on Israel and the West, we can see that they are similar. However, ideologically speaking, the government pillars in Tehran want to control the Arab World. This is contradictory to the Salafists and the Sunns, which will cause clashes. Of course, the Muslim Brotherhood will be on the side of the Sunnis. Furthermore, I agree with those who believe that this is all more of a stage show rather than reality. In one of his statements, I remember President Mursi stressing, We do not intend to be like Iran. I believe that many countries in the region, including those with Islamic affiliation, know very well that Iran is not the best option or model for them.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] Do you believe that Ahmadinejad intends to play a game in Syria similar to that played by Putin in Russia, when he swapped roles with Medvedev only to later return to power?
[Pahlavi] If we discuss this long enough, then we will see that whoever the regime brings in next is totally irrelevant. All of these characters are but puppets controlled by the puppeteer. It does not matter who comes to power or who leaves. The power and the decision-making are all in his hands. Ultimately, the name of the president is not important, for it is Khamenei’s word that is law. On this level, we cannot compare this issue with what has happened in Russia. However, speaking of Russia, I believe that if we can reach a consensus with Russia, then it would be easier to infiltrate the Iranian regime, as well as giving hope for change a chance. Today, the Russians are exploiting the Syrian crises and the Iranian situation. Even if the nuclear crisis is resolved, all the crises related to the Iranian regime will persist. Khamenei is well aware that they know that he understands his and his regime’s roles in the region.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] We are all aware that Russia is seeking incentives from the West in order to stop its support of Syria and Iran. If Russia is successful at obtaining a satisfactory deal, how would this affect Iran?
[Pahlavi] This would be an extremely positive move, as the Iranian regime is attached to and highly dependant on Russia’s support, especially its military support. There is a lot of backstage Russian support for Iran. In addition to this, Iran also receives special support from China, North Korea, and Russia regarding missiles. It is time to untie this knot.
These days, Iranians can formulate a 360 degree vision, which we were incapable of during the Cold War, as our vision at this time was focused on the West. Now, I do not see any obscurity in turning to the opposition in all aspects within the extent of our common interests, whether economic or strategic. We are quite open to the prospect of dealing with everyone. This means that a change in regime in Iran will not, necessarily, constitute a threat to Russia and the other allies of the current regime. The Chinese and the Russians should not be alarmed. We shall maintain our good relations with everyone concerned, as we would not want a repeat of the Cold War scenario. We search for common interests for all within a cooperative framework.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What is your view on those figures calling for the Iranian political system to be transformed from a presidential system to a parliamentary one?
[Pahlavi] I view this as a form of cosmetics, making things seem more appealing. Basically, I am not convinced that Iran is currently subject to any form of political democracy. Khamenei controls everything. If we remove the only post that appears-misleadingly-to be independent, than the situation in Iran will only get worse.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] With everything that is happening, do the Iranian people feel isolated from the rest of the world?
[Pahlavi] The more communication technology develops, the more isolated the Iranians feel. The Iranians are deprived of many things others in the world are currently enjoying. Many of them are convinced that they could do better, but the regime constitutes a barrier between them and their dreams and ambitions. They believe that rather than developing they are regressing, which causes a general sense of frustration. However, this is their incentive to mobilize once they find their chance. I believe that every generation has its opportunity. This is something that we are keen to promote to the current generation, as they need to be aware of their opportunity in order to achieve their goals.
[Asharq Al-Awsat] What does the Iranian opposition need from the Arab World and what specific messages would it like to convey?
[Pahlavi] We need the Arab World to be more practical and to provide support to the democratic opposition forces in Iran, especially as the current regime constitutes a great threat. However, we must not sit and wait. If you help us to free ourselves, we shall be your allies. The opposition needs technological and financial support. We can discuss the various offers.
Still, several countries in the region believe that the opposition is not capable of bringing change by itself. However, we would like to tell those countries that our failure will mean failure for the region, however if we succeed, this will be a success for the region. I cannot provide any guarantees, but I believe that we should make the effort. If we succeed together, then all of our futures will be better. We can no longer hide or wait. The Iranian regime is behind a lot of what is happening in Yemen and Bahrain. It is present everywhere.