Interview discusses the latest, unfolding developments in Iran and what the world can expect next
Via WION in India:
In a compelling interview on WION, Shahin Gobadi, spokesman for the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), laid bare both the mounting internal crisis gripping Iran and the organized resistance growing in response. As a U.S.-educated nuclear engineer and staunch voice of Iran’s democratic opposition, Gobadi offered insider insight into how Iranian civil unrest, nuclear ambitions, and international pressure are converging to create a rare opening for lasting change.
Gobadi began by describing the “widespread pressure” building across Iranian society—teachers, laborers, women, and youth are united in protest and defiance—even chanting “down with Khamenei.” He emphasized that only 4% of Iranians now support the clerical regime, explaining that these protests transcend past cycles, and this rising wave of dissent is both coordinated and irreversible
He detailed the regime’s tactics—villainizing dissent, arresting protestors, and intensifying fear. Yet, these methods are no longer working: even state-run “elections” are seeing record boycotts, hovering around 20% turnout. Gobadi described the regime as “desperate”—now more focused on nuclear weaponization as a survival tactic than governing .
Shifting to nuclear issues, Gobadi warned of a fast-tracked nuclear weapons program. He cited recent NCRI intelligence—including off-site facilities and covert enrichment—suggesting Tehran is accelerating a nuclear bomb project. Iran, he warned, is nearing a tipping point where a crude, deliverable weapon could emerge within months unless the international community steps in aggressively
On the possibility of regime change, Gobadi stressed it is no longer abstract—it is within reach. Tehran’s internal resistance is coordinated through underground networks ready to transition to governance. The NCRI, he explained, offers a clear 10-point democratic plan, involving transition toward secular governance, free elections, gender equality, and a peaceful foreign policy. He argued that what’s needed now is sustained international backing—diplomatic engagement, sanctions on weapons and nuclear material, and media attention to support this growing wave of Iranian-led resistance
Gobadi rejected any notion that regime change must be externally imposed. He highlighted how media coverage and foreign support against Iran’s nuclear brinkmanship emboldens internal actors, giving them legitimacy and momentum. But crucially, the turning point will come from Iranians themselves—not foreign powers moving first .
When asked why now is different, Gobadi pointed to both economic collapse and clerical miscalculations—the revolutionary elite, once able to bribe or intimidate, now lacks the leverage. Even domestic hardliners are fracturing. With uprisings and defections spreading, a fully organized opposition is meeting a broken regime.
In closing, Gobadi issued a call to action: ignore calls for quick military strikes, and instead shut down Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, choke its funding lines, and highlight internal voices of dissent. He urged governments and media alike to align with the people of Iran, not the clerical state—amplifying their voices in cities from Tehran to London.
Key Takeaways:
- Only about 4% of Iranians support the clerical regime, signaling a near-collective rejection.
- Bloody protests and election boycotts show mounting, organized dissent.
- Iran’s push for a crude nuclear weapon is accelerating, driven by regime instability.
- The NCRI-backed democratic alternative is ready—with a 10-point plan waiting to launch.
- International legitimacy and pressure are needed to tip the balance—Iranians themselves must hold the pen.
Gobadi’s interview reframes Iran not as a distant rival or nuclear problem alone, but as a people-powered moment of democratic possibility. The question now: will the free world stand with those Iranians crafting their own future?
If you’re reporting on Iran’s nuclear trajectory, regime fragility, or global democracy movements, Gobadi delivers firsthand analysis—grounded in intelligence, driven by reform, and emboldened by hope.
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