Mohammad Marandi: Is Middle East conflict what Iran really wants?
Jan 17, 2024
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Stephen Sackur talks to Mohammad Marandi, an Iranian academic who has advised his government during nuclear negotiations. They discuss Iran's regional strategy, the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea and its impact on Israeli ports, Gaza's situation and Iran's role in supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, division among Iranian people and the role of women in Iran, and defending Iran's treatment of women and human rights.
Iran maintains support for various regional groups based on anti-colonial vision and a commitment to defend against perceived aggression.
Iran rejects claims that its support for resistance is affected by vulnerabilities and highlights the role and empowerment of women within the country.
Deep dives
Iran's Regional Strategy and Ambitions
Iran's regional strategy and ambitions have come under intense focus since Hamas attacked southern Israel from Gaza. Israel has accused Iran of funding and arming not only Hamas, but also Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as armed groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. The recent attacks by Houthi fighters in Yemen on shipping in the Red Sea have further escalated tensions. While the US and UK have responded with airstrikes, Iran sees these actions as evidence of American imperialism. The situation raises concerns about the potential for a wider and dangerous conflict in the Middle East.
Iran's Support for the Resistance
Iran maintains a consistent support for various groups in the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Ansar Allah (Houthis). These groups are considered Iranian allies rather than proxies, each having its own agency and decision-making autonomy. This support is based on a shared anti-colonial vision and a commitment to defending themselves against perceived aggression. However, Iran also emphasizes the desire for a ceasefire and de-escalation, contrary to the US and Israel, which are seen as driving for further confrontation.
Iran's Perspective on Women's Rights and International Criticism
Claims that Iran's support for the resistance and its regional strategy is affected by vulnerabilities and weaknesses within the country are rejected. While international criticism is often directed towards Iran's domestic issues and women's rights, the Iranian perspective highlights the role and empowerment of women within the country. Women hold prominent positions in academia, politics, and various professions. Iran sees the focus on these issues as an attempt to distract from the ongoing conflict and atrocities committed by the US and Israel in the region.
Stephen Sackur speaks to Mohammad Marandi, an Iranian academic who has advised his government during nuclear negotiations. Iran actively backs Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, but as the flashpoints in the Middle East multiply, is a regional war - with the US inevitably engaged - what Tehran really wants?
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