Activists side with Iran's religious leader?
Article Rewrite
Headline: Pro-Iran Sentiments Run Rampant Among Progressive Activists: A Potent Blend of Misguided Ideology and Misplaced Sympathies
Author: Elizabeth Beaumont
Published: 20th June 2025
Photo by: Getty.
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When it comes to the political spectrum, progressivism tends to be a beacon of hope, advocate for marginalized groups, and crusader against injustice. However, a new trend has emerged that muddies the progressive waters - an inexplicable tendency to side with the Iranian regime. This odd alliance can be attributed to a warped conflation of ideology and misguided sympathies.
Picture by: Getty.
In recent days, Iran found itself in the crossfire of military strikes initiated by Israel, a move whose purpose, judged by conservative critics, was self-defense against the persistent hostilities of its adversary. Unsurprisingly, bearers of the pro-Iran flag could be found waving proudly among the usual suspects - pro-Palestine demonstrators in the heart of London city. The theocratic regime's cheerleaders seem to buy into the flawed logic that seizes Israel as the enemy and, by extension, deems Iran the good guy.
The Iranian regime, for all its talk of promoting a progressive Islamic state, governs one of the least liberal governments on Earth. It is an oppressive regime boasting a horrific record of executions, particularly for crimes considered non-existent in Western societies. Yet, in the eyes of some, these atrocities are ignored in the face of solidarity with the Palestinian struggle.
Critics argue they are not defending the regime itself, but rather pleading for peace and upholding the tenets of international law. However, to side with Iran is to give credence to a regime that has aggressively funded both Hamas and Hezbollah, providing them with intelligence as well as financial support. Hamas, don't let the name fool you, was the driving force behind the 2023 pogrom that set off the Gaza war, while Hezbollah has been relentlessly bombing northern Israel since October of the same year.
Moreover, those who argue for non-intervention conveniently overlook the fact that Israel does not exist in a vacuum, and neither does Palestine. Iran has, for decades, been ensnared in international conflicts, from meddling in Syria to its support of Russian territorial expansion in Ukraine. Such actions, far from promoting peace and justice, erode stability and foster terrorism.
The left's myopic focus on Israel too often clouds their judgment, causing them to support Iran as a byproduct of their opposition to the Jewish state. This hypocritical stance deskills them from addressing the true problems of the Middle East and fuels genuine suffering among the Palestinian populace.
Take a step back, otherwise you risk drowning in the bubble of ideological delusions that has claimed many on the progressive left. Recall that every action has consequences, and the support of extremist regimes has never resulted in a path towards enlightenment. Instead, remain focused on the promotion of democracy, human rights, and accountability, regardless of the color of one's religious flag. The Iranian regime, for all its empty promises, will never offer true liberation to its people or the Palestinians, nor will its existence foster tranquility in the turbulent Middle East.
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