When Solidarity Speaks Louder: The Divergence Between the Iranian Regime and Its People

In the modern history of the Middle East, the events of recent weeks stand out with profound implications. The world watched in shock as Hamas executed a horrifying attack on innocent civilians during a music festival, resulting in casualties not only from Israel but from a staggering 32 nations. While the tragedy itself was heart-wrenching, the global aftermath brought an unexpected twist to the narrative. Far from being unified in their support or condemnation, the Iranian people showed a dramatic divergence from the stance of the Islamic Republic. This divergence is not new and delving into it might offer a pathway towards peace.

The Tragedy Unfolds: An Attack on Innocence

Hamas' actions on that fateful day, where civilians were attacked, killed, kidnapped, raped, and tortured, sent shockwaves around the world. As information about the victims being from multiple countries emerged, the act went from being a localized tragedy to a global horror. Given the circumstances, Israel's call for immediate action to prevent future attacks seemed not only justifiable but also necessary.

However, the whispers and rumors quickly pointed towards the possibility of the Islamic Republic of Iran, or the Mullah regime, being behind the scenes. While governments deliberated, it was the Iranian public's response that truly astounded the world.

The Iranian Response: Voices from the Ground

Amidst the mourning and global condemnations, a similar voice emerged from Iran. Contrary to the politics of the state, the Iranian public displayed a starkly different sentiment. The Ariamehr Football Stadium, commonly known as Azadi Stadium, resonated with radical shouts of solidarity towards the innocent victims of the attack, indicating a clear divergence from any pro-Hamas stance.

Even more notably, on the X platform (previously known as Twitter), #IraniansStandWithIsrael trended with an astounding 100,000 posts. This was a revelation in itself, proving the Iranian people's stance was markedly different from the state.

Historical Divergence: The Roots

This isn't the first time such a divide has been observed. Previously, there have been movements against the Mullah regime where brave Iranians echoed sentiments like "Not Gaza, Not Lebanon, I sacrifice my life for Iran." This points to a longstanding chasm between the state and its people.

This divergence can be traced back to the time of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi. The Middle East was relatively peaceful during his reign. However, his deposition — with support from the US, UK, France, and influence from Communist, Leninist, and Islamist forces — led to the establishment of the Mullah regime, planting seeds of extremism in the region.

The new generation, brave and educated, have often criticized their predecessors for their roles in this shift. A resurgence of support for Shah's son, HIM Reza Pahlavi, has been evident. The Lion and Sun symbol on the Iranian flag during demonstrations in the US, Canada, and Europe is a testament to this sentiment. Another glaring indication was the chants of "Reza Shah Rest in Peace" in the stadiums.

The Path Forward: International Support for the Iranian People

With this rich backdrop, the West and the international community find themselves at a crossroads. While military intervention is a contentious and expensive route, the focus should be on supporting the Iranian people's patriotic sentiments, led by the potential leadership of HIM Reza Pahlavi.

By bolstering this internal movement and encouraging a shift back to a governance system resonant with the Iranian populace's desires, there's a possibility to douse the flames of extremism. A shift in governance would likely halt support to terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, ushering in a new era of peace and tranquility in the region.

In conclusion, the recent events, while tragic, have shone a light on the potential pathway to peace. By understanding and acting on the divergence between the Mullah regime and the Iranian people, there's a glimmer of hope for a more stable Middle East.