On January 22, the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed a group labeled as “private sector activists” by state media, attempting to shore up the crumbling morale of his regime’s forces in the face of growing economic woes, regional defeats, and fears of domestic uprisings. His speech underscored the regime’s reliance on propaganda and narrative manipulation to maintain control amidst its fragility.

Khamenei emphasized the need for state media and intelligence apparatuses to counter what he described as an “atmosphere of despair” spread by “enemies.” He said, “We need to hear these statements in the discouraging environment that enemies are trying to inject into specific sections of the country, like among youth and university students. Do our youth know about the progress you’re reporting? Do students know? Do those who wish to contribute to the country see their capabilities in themselves?” By portraying his demoralized loyalists as representatives of the Iranian public, Khamenei sought to present a façade of widespread support.

In an effort to project resilience against the possible return of “maximum pressure” policies under a Trump presidency, Khamenei claimed that Iran could circumvent sanctions through BRICS. “One of our capabilities is our recent presence in gatherings of countries like BRICS,” he stated. He hailed BRICS’ financial mechanisms as a way to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar, saying, “If this is pursued, it will undoubtedly help. One of our current problems is being tied to the dollar. Even other countries understand this. Of course, some members of this financial framework hesitate to act due to political concerns, but diplomacy must push them to act.”

Despite the regime’s evident regional setbacks, Khamenei dismissed the notion that Tehran’s influence is waning. “We said the resistance is alive and will remain alive,” he declared, referring to recent developments in Gaza as evidence of success. He derided claims of Iran’s weakening, calling those who make them “delusional and fanciful.” Khamenei added, “The future will show who is truly weak.”

His remarks ignored the reality of his deteriorating position. Economic hardships, including deepening poverty and a collapsing currency, are eroding the regime’s internal power base. Meanwhile, Tehran’s regional proxies face unprecedented setbacks, with their leaders and infrastructure targeted. Khamenei’s repeated assertions about “eliminating the dollar” over two decades have yielded little practical change, as major BRICS members like China and India maintain significant trade ties with the West and are unlikely to risk sanctions.

Khamenei’s recent speeches reflect a regime grasping at straws to maintain a veneer of strength. By framing the regime’s struggles as victories and doubling down on propaganda, he aims to bolster the morale of his disillusioned forces. However, the disconnect between his rhetoric and Iran’s realities underscores the regime’s growing vulnerability in the face of internal and external pressures.

Source » ncr-iran