A key focal point was the escalating migration of specialists and academics from Iran, aptly termed a “migration tsunami.” This exodus has been exacerbated by the recent spate of university professor expulsions.
Kalantari aimed to defuse the mounting public ire directed at supreme leader Ali Khamenei and the governing regime. He posited that an “infiltration group” within the nation’s ranks was behind the ousting of experienced professors. Kalantari described this group as radicals who enact restrictive laws, preferring ideologically aligned individuals over genuine expertise.
Interestingly, the supreme leader Khamenei was painted as a bystander, with this shadowy “infiltration group” being the puppet masters behind the purging campaign.
Kalantari didn’t shy away from confirming the ongoing removal of academic professionals and their replacement with lesser-qualified individuals. Additionally, he acknowledged the media suppression and the stifling of communication channels. In a candid admission, Kalantari highlighted the grim economic scenario for highly educated professionals in Iran.
Watch and judge how the people of #Iran are having a hard time due to the destructive #economic policies of the regime pic.twitter.com/4duvihjQlU
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 19, 2023
He pointed out the glaring disparity between salaries and living expenses, saying, “When there is no belief in development, expertise loses its significance. A PhD-level expert earning a paltry 150 million rials (about $300) monthly will inevitably face hardships.”
Drawing a comparison, the Tasnim News Agency, associated with the IRGC Quds Force, reported on April 30 that PhDs working in research roles in the United States enjoy far healthier remuneration. Researchers are paid $3,750, while full professors receive up to $8,700 per month. In contrast, a specialized PhD in Iranian universities makes a mere $300 monthly.
This wage chasm, combined with other socio-economic factors, renders migration an appealing prospect for Iranian experts. As Kalantari explained, “With living costs in dollars and earnings in rials, there’s little incentive for these specialists to remain in Iran.”
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فقر و زباله گردی در آمل
حاصل حکومت نا لایق و آخوندهای فاسد pic.twitter.com/PJGfnqZ08l— ایران آزادی (@iranazadi1395) September 9, 2023
A poignant observation came from sociologist Amanollah Gharaei Moghadam on April 21, 2023, as reported by the Setareye Sobh newspaper. Likening each departing elite individual to an oil well, he remarked, “It’s as if an oil well goes silent with each departure…” The unsettling insinuation is clear: Iranian leadership seems disinterested in retaining these intellectual powerhouses, instead favoring replacements lacking in creativity, intelligence, and discerning thought.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
