Iran’s upcoming elections are simply another facet of the long-running struggle between the deep state, which wishes to keep its hold on the country through repression and economic domination, and the reformists, moderates and other democratic groups that are trying to move Iran on a path toward democracy. Not only will the outcome of the elections be important to Iran’s future, but also to the future of the Middle East, as it will either strengthen the moderate Rouhani administration or tighten the deep state’s grip on Iran. In the latter case, internal repression will continue, and Rouhani’s moderate foreign policy will also be weakened.  

Muhammad Sahimi, Professor of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science and the NIOC Chair in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Southern California, is the editor and publisher of the website, Iran News and Middle East Reports, and has been analyzing Iran’s political developments and its nuclear program for two decades.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/seyyed shabodin vajedi.