Iranian Monarchists’ Surprising Support for Israel Raises Questions
In a surprising turn of events, Iranian monarchists have expressed support for Israel, viewing it as a key ally in their fight to reinstate the Pahlavi dynasty. While millions of people around the world, including Iranians, have taken to the streets to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza, these monarchists have waved the old Iranian flag and praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, their alignment with Israel has raised questions about their motives and the extent to which they represent the opposition in Iran.
The Iranian opposition movement is comprised of various factions, including republicans and monarchists. Unfortunately, their ideological differences have hindered their unity and led to bitter conflicts and divisions among them. This was evident in the online campaign against Narges Mohammadi, a prominent women’s rights activist and political prisoner in Iran, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Iranian monarchists cast doubt on Mohammadi’s legitimacy and credibility, insisting that Reza Pahlavi is the true leader of all Iranians.
The hostility between the monarchists and the pro-democracy activists like Mohammadi stems from their deep political and ideological differences. The monarchists support a hardline US approach towards Iran, including increased intervention and harsh sanctions, while Mohammadi advocates for moderate and reformist candidates and rejects sweeping sanctions that harm Iran’s economy. These divergent views on the future of the Iranian opposition have created a significant divide between the two groups.
Yasmine Pahlavi, Reza Pahlavi’s wife, has also been a vocal critic of those with different political views. She has made inflammatory statements on social media and publicly demonstrated her support for Israel during the Gaza war. Pahlavi’s attack on Mohammadi and her family was just one example of her hostility towards those who disagree with her. This kind of behavior has isolated the monarchists within the Iranian opposition and has caused concern among pro-Palestinian activists.
While the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi had a complex relationship with Israel, trying to balance it with ties to the Arab world, his son and his supporters have become increasingly supportive of Israel over the years. They see it as a critical partner to their cause, disregarding the domestic and regional implications of their stance. Their pro-Israel stance has been met with criticism from many activists inside and outside Iran, who reject the monarchists’ hawkish and interventionist approach.
The Iranian monarchists’ support for Israel has exposed their lack of legitimacy and credibility among the Iranian people. Their seeming unwillingness to compromise with others in Iran’s diverse society and their reliance on support from Israel and its right-wing allies in the US have only further diminished their appeal. It is clear that their alignment with Israel raises questions about their true motives and their commitment to the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations.
In conclusion, the Iranian monarchists’ surprising support for Israel has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism. Their divergence from the mainstream Iranian opinion and their alignment with a foreign government known for its controversial actions have called into question their motives and credibility. As Iran continues to navigate complex domestic and international challenges, it is crucial to scrutinize the actions and intentions of all political factions, including the monarchists.
