In 2003, the Supreme Leader of the Iranian regime, Ali Khamenei, conveyed the 20-year vision document to then-President Mohammad Khatami. Subsequently, Khatami passed the document to his successors, culminating in the present time.
This visionary document outlined ambitious goals for Iran, aspiring for it to emerge as the foremost economic, scientific, and technological power in the region by 2025. However, despite the regime’s assertions, Iran has found itself at the bottom of global human and social indicators, excelling only in the areas of tyranny, oppression, and incitement of conflict in Muslim-majority nations.
Over the years, four administrations under Khamenei’s influence have exploited and mismanaged the nation’s resources, perpetuating disaster and adhering to the outlined vision plan. Budget allocations, purportedly aimed at benefiting the populace, have primarily served the interests of the ruling elite entrenched in various economic sectors.
Meanwhile, misleading statistics have been flaunted, masking the harsh realities faced by millions living below the poverty line, working children, and educated individuals struggling with unemployment.
The promise of food security, healthcare, social welfare, prosperity, equitable income distribution, equal opportunities, poverty eradication, stable employment, and a conducive environment has remained unfulfilled. As acknowledged by the state-run daily Ham Mihan, Iran has not only failed to secure its envisioned position as a regional powerhouse but has regressed, ranking among the least developed nations.
Former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, once a key figure in the regime, lamented in 2013 about the nation’s economic contraction, escalating poverty, and missed opportunities. Likewise, Khatami expressed skepticism about achieving the vision document’s goals in the prevailing circumstances.
Even with an $800 billion windfall from oil sales, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad fell short of realizing the document’s objectives. President Hassan Rouhani highlighted the internal struggle between pursuing power and a development agenda, further emphasizing the regime’s inconsistency.
Presently, President Ebrahim Raisi avoids addressing the vision plan altogether. Regime experts articulate signs of disappointment. Economist Ali Saadwandi attributes the failure of the vision program to misguided thoughts and policies.
In the global race for the well-being and freedom of their citizens, the Iranian regime consistently ranks at the bottom across various indicators. According to the Legatum Prosperity Index, Iran stands at a disheartening 126th out of 167 countries. Specific columns reflect even bleaker realities: 162nd in organizational conditions, 165th in personal freedoms, and 146th in governance.
Another telling metric is the state of household expenses and income. Iran’s statistics center reveals a concerning trend where the share of spending on basic needs like housing and food has risen, while allocations for health, recreation, education, and clothing have diminished.
Reviewing the Legatum Prosperity Index over the past five years underscores the deepening poverty and misery in Iran, starkly contrasting with Khamenei’s visionary plan. The state-run daily Tejarat-e Farda notes Iran’s regression to its welfare rank of a decade ago, ranking 119th with a two-place drop from the previous year.
Further disappointment surfaces in the Popular Governance Index, indicating a deterioration in governance quality over the past decade, sliding to 138th place. Individual freedom, at a dismal rank of 163, places Iran alongside countries facing severe challenges like Yemen, Eritrea, Sudan, and Syria, with only South Sudan positioned lower on the table.
As observed by the state-run daily Ham Mihan, the stark reality is that not only has Iran failed to progress since the implementation of the vision document, but it has also backtracked in crucial indicators and goals. The sobering truth is that the promises made in 2002 remain elusive, leaving the Iranian people grappling with worsening socio-economic conditions and dashed aspirations.
