Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with a group of students in Tehran, Iran, Nov. 2, 2022. Photo: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS

In an unprecedented shift from previous approaches, the Biden administration’s recent policy towards Iran marks a pivotal moment, signifying a bold departure from the strategy of appeasement that has characterized US dealings with the Mullahs. The release of a new video by the US State Department, featuring Deputy Special Envoy Abram Paley, encapsulates this turning point. This gesture hints at a newfound resolve within the White House to confront the Iranian regime head-on, prioritizing support for the Iranian populace over futile attempts at placating Tehran’s leadership.

This policy shift is reminiscent of the decisive moment at the Guadalupe meeting in 1979, when global leaders chose to withdraw support from the Shah of Iran. That decision precipitated the fall of his regime, and the rise of a government that has since been a thorn in the side of international security. The current administration’s stance effectively closes the door on appeasement with a regime characterized by criminality and a lack of legitimacy, acknowledging that diplomacy with such an entity is not just fruitless but counterproductive.

The indispensability of leaders like Reza Pahlavi in this context cannot be overstated. Their advocacy for a democratic Iran free from the grip of authoritarianism and terrorism is not only a beacon of hope for the Iranian people, but also a strategic imperative for the international community.

The necessity for regime change in Iran, underpinned by the quest for stability and peace in the Middle East, is a complex yet unavoidable conclusion. The current regime’s entrenched position as a destabilizing force, through its support for proxy conflicts and its pursuit of nuclear capabilities, presents an insurmountable obstacle to regional harmony and international security. The transition towards a government that embodies the principles of democracy, respect for human rights, and peaceful coexistence is essential for dismantling the architecture of conflict that has defined the region for decades.

Such a transition requires a multifaceted strategy encompassing international diplomacy, economic incentives, and the empowerment of civil society within Iran. The global community must unite in its support for the Iranian populace, advocating for peaceful change and the establishment of a governance structure that reflects the will and aspirations of its people. This approach not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by Iran, but also lays the groundwork for a sustainable peace, facilitating the country’s reintegration into the global community as a constructive and responsible actor.

The recalibration of US policy towards Iran and the advocacy for regime change are not merely policy positions, but essential steps towards achieving stability and peace in the Middle East. The leadership of figures like Pahlavi is critical in navigating the complex landscape in Iran, and helping move the country towards democracy and prosperity. As the international community contemplates the path forward, it must recognize that the quest for a peaceful and stable Iran is intrinsically linked to the broader aspirations for global security and harmony. The journey is undoubtedly fraught with challenges, yet the promise of a democratic Iran, championed by visionary leaders and supported by a unified international effort, remains a goal worth pursuing for the sake of the Iranian people and the world at large.

In the journey toward a future free from the clutches of tyranny, I am reminded of a pivotal conversation between George W. Bush and an Iranian political figure, wherein Bush stated that the US wanted to see a democratic regime in Iran, but didn’t want to interfere. This sentiment encapsulates the delicate balance of supporting change without direct intervention. The onus, therefore, falls on the Iranian people to dismantle this brutal regime — a task of monumental difficulty.

The demise of such a regime cannot be achieved lightly or without a comprehensive plan. It necessitates the strategic support of the US intelligence community and the diplomatic engagement of global powers, including Russia and other Asian states, who eye a stake in Iran’s future post-regime. The path is arduous, but the collective effort can pave the way for a new Iran, marking the end of tyranny and the dawn of a new era of peace and democracy.

Erfan Fard is a counter-terrorism analyst and Middle East Studies researcher based in Washington, D.C. He focuses on Middle Eastern regional security affairs, with a particular emphasis on Iran, counter-terrorism, IRGC, MOIS, and ethnic conflicts in MENA. Erfan is a Jewish Kurd of Iran, and he is fluent in Persian, Kurdish, Arabic, and English. Follow him from this twitter account @EQFARD.