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Iran Under the Grip of Corruption: The Power of the Khamenei Household and the Revolutionary Guard Empire!
Generally, the Iranian regime appears to be in a condition that does not allow it to insist that its situation is fine. What has happened over the past two years, alongside the current developments on internal, regional, and international fronts, indicates significant negative effects. This was particularly evident on Tuesday, March 25, when Iranian currency plummeted to below the psychologically significant level of one million rials to the dollar, with no end in sight for the sanctions as U.S. President Donald Trump resumes his "maximum pressure" policy on Tehran. This is a crucial indicator of the worsening economic and living conditions moving towards the worse.
The international pressure on the Iranian regime, due to its suspicious policies that contradict the interests of countries in the region and the world, severely impacts security and stability, particularly with its excessive efforts to instigate wars and crises. This is especially true after the maximum pressure policy adopted by the Trump administration against this regime, along with a serious demand for the regime to abandon its nuclear program, which has cost over two trillion dollars to date. It also involves ceasing its interventions in regional countries and dissolving its affiliated militias, particularly in Iraq, indicating that this regime is facing an unprecedented situation since its establishment 46 years ago.
Regionally, following what happened in Lebanon and Syria, and what is currently occurring in Yemen with the Houthis, along with the self-isolation and retreat of the Iranian regime's militias in Iraq, the regime's project intended to establish a religious empire under its leadership is now in jeopardy. It has become clear that it is resorting to a cautious approach to cling to whatever remains of its role and influence in the region, while excessively trying to prevent the flames burning its agents in the region from reaching its own territory.
Internally, unrest continues unabated, as protest movements across Iran persist, encompassing various segments and components of Iranian society in different life, economic, and social fields. There is also a noticeable increase in revolutionary operations carried out by uprising units against the regime's security centers and other affiliated locations, alongside the vigorous activities of the Iranian National Resistance Council both inside and outside Iran against the regime. The regime’s attempts by various means to ensure its survival appear like a dilapidated vessel full of holes trying to navigate a stormy sea and reach safety, which is impossible in its clearest form!
In conclusion, what has been discussed so far is only a part of the factors shaping the current dire situation in the troubled Iranian society. In this context, the roles of two main players emerge increasingly:
**The Khamenei Household: A Center of Corruption and Wealth Accumulation**
The Khamenei household, as the central nucleus of power in the system of Velayat-e Faqih, has played a pivotal role in this disaster. This institution, operating outside any legal oversight or public accountability, has seized a significant portion of the national wealth through its control over large economic institutions and organizations such as the "Setad Ejraei Farman Imam," "Astan Quds Razavi," and "Bonyad Mostazafan."
This accumulation of wealth, which starkly contrasts with the impoverished lives of millions of Iranians, reflects the depth of corruption at the highest levels of governance. The Khamenei household has not only utilized this wealth to sustain its dominance but has also expanded this organized plunder to lower levels by forming a network of powerful dependents and relatives.
**The Economic Empire of the Revolutionary Guard**
The Revolutionary Guard, acting as the military and economic arm of the Velayat-e Faqih system, is another key factor deepening the current poverty. Over time, this institution has transformed into an economic empire controlling major sectors of the Iranian economy, from oil and gas to communications and construction. According to unofficial estimates, the Revolutionary Guard directly or indirectly controls over 60 percent of the Iranian economy.
This dominance, often obtained through non-bid contracts and large projects, has seized public resources for the benefit of this institution and its leaders. This occurs at a time when millions of Iranians struggle to secure their daily bread.
In summary, the monopoly of wealth and the rampant corruption within the Khamenei household and the economic empire of the Revolutionary Guard happen as millions of Iranians languish below the poverty line. To break this vicious cycle and achieve social justice, drastic changes in the power structure and economic transparency are essential.
By Mir Mohammadi
