Exiled Iranian leader Eman Foroutan, spearheading the New Iran Movement for 15 years, has predicted an imminent regime change in Iran due to Israeli attacks. He claims numerous prominent figures have already fled Iran, and Supreme Leader Khamenei might also choose to flee in the near future. The Israeli strikes have shaken Iran, and the Iranian people are celebrating, viewing it as a prime opportunity for regime change.
According to a Ynet News report, Foroutan shared in an interview with Media Line that Israel's military actions have gravely damaged Iran's military, economic, and nuclear infrastructure and eliminated several key figures. Yet, the Iranian people are the most content with this development.
Prince Reza Pahlavi as the Potential Leader
Foroutan suggested that now is the optimal time because the majority of Iranians, both inside and outside Iran, have rallied around Prince Reza Pahlavi as their leader. Pahlavi, son of Iran's last Shah, has been in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, when his father was deposed. Many anti-regime Iranians view Pahlavi as the best candidate to lead Iran post-Islamic Republic.
Accelerated Regime Change Through Israeli Attacks
He noted that the Israeli attacks could expedite regime change, leading Crown Prince Pahlavi to take the helm. It doesn’t necessarily mean he will be the next monarch, as he has repeatedly stated that his role will conclude once Iran is liberated. Thereafter, Iranians will decide through free elections whether they want a parliamentary monarchy or a republic.
True Freedom After 45 Years
Foroutan remarked that those unfamiliar with Trump might now understand that he means what he says. Trump dislikes warfare and did not want to engage in conflict with the Islamic Republic; he extended multiple opportunities for dialogue. Even up to yesterday, he was urging them to come to the negotiating table. However, the Ayatollahs made a colossal mistake, which will hopefully lead to Iranians gaining freedom after 45 years of oppressive rule that has been their tormentor, imprisoning and harming them.
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Ayatollah Khamenei Might Flee Iran
Foroutan claims that Israel's campaign against Iran could last at least a week, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei might opt to escape, given that the Islamic Republic is militarily impotent. Following regime change, the initial months will be challenging. There's uncertainty about potential threats like ISIS or the Taliban, and whispers of Kurdish factions in northwestern Iran hoping to exploit the situation to divide the region.
'Numerous Influential Iranians Have Fled to Russia'
Foroutan mentioned that many high-ranking Iranians have escaped to Russia. While he doesn't have direct evidence of their feelings, he surmises that Iran's top military leaders were eliminated, followed by others who filled their ranks, with some of them also being targeted. Apparently, third-tier leadership is receiving clear messages from Israel: 'We know where you are. If you want to live, do not engage.' Their spouses and families reportedly convey this caution.
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Challenges in Contacting People in Iran
Foroutan explained the difficulty in communicating with people inside Iran. Unfortunately, whenever such incidents occur, the Iranian regime cuts off internet access first. The New Iran Movement's activists are working to educate Iranians on establishing local virtual private networks to access the internet during network blackouts.
Iranians Have Long Awaited This Day
Foroutan noted that Iranians are aware of the potential harm and casualties out of ongoing operations, yet they have prayed and hoped for such a day for years. Though frightened, they are also jubilant.