In a recent speech, Iranian regime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addressed a range of pressing issues facing his rule, revealing a regime grappling with internal discontent, economic hardships, and foreign policy setbacks. Khamenei’s remarks shed light on the regime’s desperation to maintain its grip on power and its underlying vulnerabilities.

In an effort to recover from the repercussions of the recent protests, he fervently tried to portray a regime that retained backing from certain factions of the population. However, the sparse turnout during the commemoration ceremony for the regime’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, revealed a different reality. Even the regime‘s own supporters were not mobilized for this ceremony.

In his speech, he crafted his words in a way to create an illusion of being able to slip off from the threat of overthrow. However, as he continued speaking, each sentence revealed the dire situation, the public’s deep-seated animosity, and an acknowledgment of failure in multiple domains.

Therefore, one notable aspect of his speech was his candid admission of the regime’s failures. He acknowledged the dismal state of Iran’s economy and the frustrations of its citizens, stating that “people are unhappy because of economic problems, unemployment, inflation, and the high cost of living.” By acknowledging these issues, Khamenei indirectly admitted the regime’s responsibility for the economic mismanagement that has plagued the country.

Because of the huge social pressure, he was compelled to admit his previous fabrications concerning the regime’s officials living modestly. He acknowledged, “In addition, there are those who argue that within society, certain individuals may not prioritize religion, faith, and revolution. However, it is important to note that this is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, even during the time of the Prophet and in the 80s, there were individuals who held similar views.”

Furthermore, Khamenei addressed the topic of hope, emphasizing the paradoxical stance of critics who dismiss both the regime’s promises of hope and its attempts to create a hopeful future.

He questioned the realistic expectations placed on the regime, stating, “When it comes to discussions about hope, some individuals claim that those expressing it are ignorant of the facts. But how is it possible for no one to know the facts? The reality being referred to is the shared economic reality, the common challenges faced in daily life. Everyone is aware of these facts, and everyone is affected by them. There is no doubt about the existence of these circumstances and the hardships they bring!” This apparent double standard highlights the challenges faced by the regime in meeting public expectations.

Moreover, Khamenei’s speech exposed the regime’s desperation to confront both domestic and international threats. He alluded to potential uprisings and the influence of rebel youths, signaling a continuation of repressive measures to quell dissent. His call for vigilance and unity indicated a heightened concern about the regime’s stability and its ability to counter internal and external challenges.

But he has forgotten or deliberately ignored that a few days before his speech, the representative in clerical affairs of the regime’s president admitted to the regime’s ideological failure as he said: “Out of about 75,000 mosques in the country, the doors of 50,000 mosques are closed, which is a tragedy for which we should shed bloody tears.”

Considering these revelations, Khamenei’s speech highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Iranian regime. The admission of economic hardships, foreign policy failures, and the resort to fearmongering all point to a government struggling to maintain control and preserve its legitimacy. The speech exposed a regime in crisis, grappling with a disillusioned population and the repercussions of its own policies.

As Iran continues to face mounting challenges, including international pressure, economic sanctions, and internal unrest, it remains to be seen how the regime will navigate the stormy waters ahead. The Supreme Leader’s speech serves as a reminder of the deep-seated issues plaguing the regime and its urgent need for transformative action to address the concerns of the people.