Exiled Iranian journalist and activist says regime knows "how to buy time to rebuild"

Key Concepts

• Internet Blackout in Iran: Government-imposed restrictions on internet access, particularly social media, hindering information flow.
• Execution Cancellations & Regime Tactics: The Iranian government’s alleged cancellation of executions as a tactic to buy time and manage international pressure.
• Protest Crackdown & Death Toll: The severe suppression of protests by the Iranian regime, resulting in a significant number of deaths and injuries.
• Starlink & Digital Freedom: The potential role of satellite internet services like Starlink in circumventing the internet blackout.
• International Response & Pressure: The need for international pressure on the Iranian regime, including diplomatic measures, to address human rights abuses.

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The Situation in Iran: A Detailed Overview

The interview focuses on the ongoing crisis in Iran following widespread protests and the government’s response. A complete internet blackout remains in effect, severely limiting access to information from within the country. This makes assessing the true extent of the situation incredibly difficult.

Trump’s Claims & Regime’s Tactics

President Trump stated that Iranian officials cancelled over 800 scheduled hangings of protesters, a decision he credited with influencing his decision not to authorize US military strikes. Masi Ali Nad, an exiled Iranian journalist and human rights activist, views this as a calculated tactic by the Islamic Republic to “buy time,” mirroring past behavior during negotiations with the Obama administration. He asserts that the regime aims to rebuild and recover while appearing to respond to international pressure, but fundamentally remains incapable of reform. He states, “Killing is in the DNA of the Islamic Republic.”

The Scale of the Crackdown & Human Cost

The US-based human rights activist news agency reported a death toll of 2,797 in the crackdown against protesters. However, Ali Nad believes this number is a significant underestimate. His sources inside Iran indicate a “massacre unfolding” in cities like Tehran (reportedly 12,000 deaths), Mashhad, Eahan, and Karaj. He emphasizes the human cost, describing instances of entire families being killed, with surviving members vowing to continue the fight. He stresses the importance of recognizing the individuals behind the statistics, stating, “It breaks my heart when we talk about people like a number like statistics.”

Brutality of the Regime’s Actions

Ali Nad details the extreme brutality employed by the regime, including:

• House-to-house raids: Security forces storming homes and arresting individuals.
• Targeting of technology users: People being shot for possessing satellite dishes.
• Attacks on hospitals: Security forces entering hospitals to harm injured protesters.
• Shootings from balconies: Individuals being shot while observing events from their balconies.
• Extortion of families: Families being forced to pay to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones for burial.
• Threats against families: Warnings issued to families to refrain from speaking to the media.

He highlights the complete communication blackout, describing it as a form of “torture” for Iranians both inside and outside the country. He personally expresses concern for the safety of his own family, with whom he has no contact.

The Role of Starlink & International Pressure

Ali Nad emphasizes the need for the “free world,” particularly Europeans, to exert pressure on the Iranian regime to end the digital blackout. He suggests specific actions like shutting down Iranian embassies and expelling diplomats as a means of sending a strong signal. He believes the regime’s actions are comparable to those of ISIS and should be treated accordingly. He specifically mentions Starlink as a potential tool for circumventing the blackout, but stresses the need for broader international action.

The Perspective of Iranian Citizens & Call for Action

Ali Nad conveys the unwavering determination of the Iranian people to end the regime, despite facing overwhelming force. He suggests that targeted military action against those responsible for the massacre could save lives, as Iranians believe they cannot win a battle against the regime “with empty hands.”

Synthesis/Conclusion

The interview paints a grim picture of the situation in Iran, characterized by a brutal crackdown on protests, a complete information blackout, and a regime seemingly willing to employ any means necessary to maintain power. Ali Nad’s testimony underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a robust international response, going beyond mere condemnation to include concrete actions like diplomatic pressure and support for tools that can restore communication and transparency. The core message is that the Iranian people are resolute in their desire for change, but require external assistance to overcome the regime’s overwhelming force and brutality.