The narrative surrounding Iran’s involvement with Palestine has often been murky. Historically, the Iranian regime has voiced staunch support for the Palestinian cause. However, its actions suggest a more convoluted approach, leading many Palestinians and international observers to cry betrayal.
Though Iran has funneled money and weaponry to bolster Palestine, critics argue these efforts keep Palestine perpetually unstable. Rather than unequivocally supporting the Palestinian cause, Iran seems driven by its political and strategic calculations. This involves occasionally backing factions that don’t necessarily echo the larger Palestinian sentiment and implementing policies that exacerbate regional tensions.
Kazem Seddiqi, an Iranian cleric, recently stirred the pot, casting doubts over the Palestinian struggle. He targeted Mahmoud Abbas’s group, insinuating their collusion with Israel and emphasizing the need to weed out “informants.”
Drawing from historical records, the winter of 1978’s uprising against the Shah was seen as a hopeful turn for Iran. The objective was liberation from tyranny, but this revolution birthed an equally, if not more, oppressive religious dictatorship.
Hossein Ali Montazeri’s memoirs offer a window into this transition. Montazeri noted that Yasser Arafat, the then Palestinian leader, visited Iran in the early days post-revolution. Arafat’s hope was for the revolution to spur peace and progress in the Middle East. But Ayatollah Khomeini, the founder of the new Iranian regime, had a different script.
By manipulating the narrative and introducing concepts like ‘Conquering Jerusalem through Karbala,’ Khomeini successfully diverted attention from Palestine’s cause to Iran’s feud with Iraq.Over the years, Iran’s policy has been to denounce historical Palestinian leaders, leading to an erosion of trust. After Arafat’s era, their attention pivoted to Mahmoud Abbas, striving to create a rift by dubbing him a ‘conciliator’ and deflecting from Iran’s internal issues.
As the region yearns for peace, Iran’s stance on Palestine remains contentious. The Iranian Resistance maintains that the path to Middle Eastern peace winds through Tehran, urging support for Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights.
You, #Iran’s valiant youths, have found the secret to victory and freedom, which is the expansion and continuation of the protests. No power can prevent the continuation of your uprising. Flogging, torture, & execution cannot counter your power of hope and faith.#IranRevolution pic.twitter.com/VhStC6bG3R
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) December 28, 2022
The central question remains: Can there be genuine peace in the Middle East with the existing regime in Tehran?
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
