West Misunderstands Iran's Ideology Over Economy, Experts Say

For 47 years, the United States and other Western nations have imposed sanctions on Iran, expecting them to lead to regime change or policy shifts, but these efforts have largely failed. First imposed in November 1979 following the seizure of American diplomats, sanctions have since expanded significantly due to Iran's nuclear program and support for terrorism. Despite extensive sanctions targeting key sectors like oil, banking, and shipping, and freezing assets of regime officials, Iran's government remains resilient.

Experts suggest this resilience stems from the Iranian regime's prioritization of its revolutionary ideology over the economic well-being of its citizens. Unlike Western governments focused on citizen welfare, the Iranian regime aims to export its Islamic revolution, willing to sacrifice living standards for its extremist ideology. This is further compounded by a younger generation educated with anti-Israel and anti-US sentiment, and a large population, including the Basij militia, with a vested interest in the regime's survival.

While protests occur, they represent a small fraction of the population, and the opposition lacks unified leadership. The article posits that the current approach of escalating sanctions is akin to Einstein's definition of insanity. It suggests a need for alternative strategies, such as confronting China, which buys most of Iran's oil, or targeting regime officials' personal assets abroad, though the effectiveness of these is uncertain.

However, the article also notes that while the regime appears stable, historical examples like Syria in late 2024 show that entrenched regimes can collapse unexpectedly. The current stability is attributed to the regime's willingness to use force, instill fear, and its ability to withstand external pressure. The article concludes that while the regime may be internally decaying, there are no immediate signs of collapse, necessitating a reevaluation of sanctions policy.