46 years of repression in Iran: from revolution to tyranny

February 11, 1979, marked a historic turning point for Iran and the world with the establishment of the Islamic Republic. This new Regime introduced a new meta-narrative centered on anti-imperialism and justice. However, the revolution itself was paradoxical – an unlikely alliance of Marxist and Islamist and Nationalist factions, each with conflicting ideologies.

What began as a broad-based movement against imperialism quickly turned into a clerical dictatorship, eliminating its former allies and consolidating absolute power under the Supreme Leader. Forty-six years later, Iranians continue to grapple with repression, economic hardship, and international isolation.

Regionally and globally, the Khomeini’s (Supreme Leader) policies after 1979 was set to bring conflicts and geopolitical tensions. These days, as the regime’s propaganda images reach an international audience from Iran’s streets for the anniversary of the 1979 revolution, it is crucial to reflect on the consequences of this historic event – both domestically and globally.

Broken Promises at Home

The regime’s promises were publicized on the ideals of freedom, justice, and prosperity. Yet, the Iranian people have endured four decades of political suppression, economic decline, and social unrest. Human rights violations, the persecution of journalists, activists, artists, dissidents and minorities, and the crackdown on women’s right, exemplified by the mandatory hijab law, show a regime more focused on control and oppression than the well-being of its citizens.

Economically, Iran, once among the most promising economies in the region, faces severe inflation, unemployment, and currency devaluation. For instance, the euro has surpassed 800,000 Rial mark in Tehran’s free currency market, making it around a 60% increase since the previous year. This trend is partially attributed to the mismanagement and corruption, and partially related to the IAEA’s critical report on the regime’s nuclear program which has breached international regulations. While the government boasts of self-sufficiency, the reality is a struggling population burdened by a lack of opportunity and rising poverty caused by the inflation. Additionally, Iran’s vast natural resources, including oil and gas, have been squandered through inefficiency, mismanagement, and corruption, further exacerbating economic woes.

Last but not least, Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world, with the regime using capital punishment as a tool of fear and suppression. The UN’s Human Rights Chief reported a record of 901 executions in 2024, 40 of which in December only, describing it as ‘an ever-swelling tide of executions.’ This brutal approach to governance highlights the regime’s disregard for fundamental human rights and due process. Despite this well-documented repression, free and democratic nations have yet to sever their economic ties with such an oppressive regime, nor have seized their appeasement policies.

A Destabilizing Force in the Region

The regime’s foreign policy since 1979 has been centered on exporting its revolutionary ideology and expanding its influence through proxy groups. From Lebanon’s Hezbollah to Yemen’s Houthis, it has played a crucial role in fuelling conflicts across the Middle East. The regime’s interventions in Syria, Iraq, and Gaza have not only prolonged wars but have also drained the country’s resources while increasing tensions with neighboring countries.

Regionally, the regime is seen as a persistent threat due to its support for armed groups and its missile program. Tensions in the Persian Gulf, frequent attacks on commercial vessels, and clashes with U.S. forces in the region further highlight the regime’s role in regional instability. Additionally, its funding and orchestration of terrorist attacks and proxies across the Middle East and beyond have made it a central player in global security concerns.

A notable case of state-sponsored terrorism on European soil occurred in 2018 when the regime’s diplomat Assadollah Assadi was spotted in Luxembourg for orchestrating a major terror plot in France. He was later apprehended and sentenced to 20 years in prison but was eventually exchanged for a Belgian humanitarian worker taken hostage in Iran. More recently, in 2024, Swedish investigators linked three attack plots to the the regime in Iran. Instead of prioritizing diplomacy and economic development, the regime has pursued a confrontational foreign policy that has kept the country in a cycle of conflict.

Iran’s Standing in the International Arena

The nuclear program has been a major point of contention with the West. The withdrawal of the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the regime’s subsequent uranium enrichment have escalated fears of a potential conflict. European powers continue to push for negotiations, but the regime’s hardline stance has made diplomacy increasingly difficult. Moreover, the unpredictability factor when it comes to the reckless and dangerous regimes, such as the one in Iran, has made the European countries to continue their pacification approach with this regime.

Meanwhile, the closer ties with Russia and China have positioned the regime within an emerging anti-Western bloc. However, these alliances offer little economic relief for ordinary Iranians, who continue to suffer from sanctions and isolation. Instead of reintegrating into the global community, the regime remains focused on defying the West, further limiting the country's prospects.

Another pressing issue is the regime’s systematic use of hostage-taking of foreign and dual nationals. It has repeatedly arrested and detained individuals on dubious charges, using them as bargaining chips in diplomatic negotiations. This tactic has drawn widespread condemnation and further solidified Iran’s reputation as an international pariah.

As of early 2025, at least 14 European Union citizens are known to be detained in Iran under conditions that have been described as arbitrary and inhumane. Many of these individuals have been held in solitary confinement for extended periods without fair trials. In January 2025, France reported that the situation of three of its citizens detained in Iran was worsening, with some experiencing conditions akin to torture. Notably, on February 5th, Jamshid Sharmahd's (Iranian-German dual national) body was transferred to Germany, after he was pronounced dead while in the regime’s prison back in October. These detentions have led to significant diplomatic tensions between Iran and European nations, allowing room for the regime to plan its next moves.

The Growing Resistance

Despite the regime’s attempts to suppress dissent, Iranians have continuously taken to the streets to demand change. The 2009 Green Movement, the 2019 protests over fuel prices, and the 2022 uprisings following Mahsa Amini’s death demonstrate the growing frustration of the Iranian people. Women, students, workers, and activists are leading the charge against oppression, signalling that the people’s desire for change is unstoppable.

While the government has maintained control through crackdowns, censorship, and violence, history has shown that no regime can indenitely suppress the will of its people. The Iranian youth, who make up a large portion of the population, are increasingly rejecting the ideology imposed upon them and yearning for a future defined by freedom and opportunity.

What Lies Ahead?

As the regime marks the 46th anniversary of its revolution, the question remains: will the country continue on its current path of authoritarianism and isolation, or will mounting nationwide discontent, economic turmoil, and increasing global scrutiny serve as the catalyst for long-overdue change? Can Iran rise from the ashes like the Persian Phoenix, reclaiming its rightful place as a prosperous and free nation?

After four decades, the gender-apartheid, warmongering regime has brought nothing but expanding prisons, leaving thousands of families in mourning, and economically crippling the country. The world watches as Iranians continue their struggle for dignity and justice, hoping that true change will come – sooner, rather than later.

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