Israeli Attacks the Only Way to Change the Clerical Regime, Suggests Ex-Official

In a remarkable statement from a former high-ranking Iranian official, Mustafa Tajzadeh, currently imprisoned, has acknowledged a sentiment within Iran that views external military pressure as the sole means for political upheaval. His comments, emerging from detention, suggest that for some Iranians, "Israeli attacks [are seen as] the only way to change the clerical regime."

Tajzadeh, who served as the political deputy of the Interior Ministry during the reformist Khatami administration, conveyed his observations on the ongoing conflict between the Islamic Republic and Israel in writings from prison. According to a report by Iran International, Tajzadeh's message highlights a desperate undercurrent among segments of the population disillusioned with the current governance.

"I know that some segments of the people are happy with the attacks because they see it as the only way to change the failed clerical government," Tajzadeh was quoted as saying. This admission is significant, as it comes from an individual who once held a prominent position within the very system some now wish to see dismantled through foreign intervention.

However, Tajzadeh also issued a stark warning about the potential consequences of such a scenario. "But even assuming that the war leads to such an outcome," he continued, "Iran will be left in ruins, where, most likely, statelessness and chaos will prevail if the country is not torn apart."

Despite acknowledging the existence of pro-intervention sentiments, Tajzadeh himself proposed an alternative, internal path toward reform. "I believe that for a peaceful transition to democracy, we can insist on the formation of a Constituent Assembly to amend/change the constitution and force the government to establish it," he added, advocating for a constitutional and non-violent route to political change. His statements underscore the complex and fraught internal debate over Iran's future.

Who is Mostafa Tajzadeh?

Seyyed Mostafa Tajzadeh, born on November 22, 1956 (age 68), is a prominent Iranian reformist politician. He is a senior member of the Islamic Iran Participation Front and the Organization of the Islamic Revolution of Iran's Mojahedin.

Tajzadeh served briefly as Acting Minister of Interior in 1998 under President Mohammad Khatami. He was also an Advisor to President Khatami from 2004 to 2005 and held deputy positions at the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Culture. An alumnus of the University of Tehran and the College of the Siskiyous, Tajzadeh was imprisoned at Evin Prison from 2009 to 2016. He is married to Fakhrossadat Mohtashamipour and is a member of the Association of Iranian Journalists.

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