The West’s appeasement policy toward Iran, initially intended to contain the regime, has backfired. Instead of curbing Tehran’s ambitions, it has empowered the Islamic Republic, allowing it to expand its regional influence, advance its nuclear program, and intensify domestic repression. Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, and Yemen have been thrown into crisis under Tehran’s proxy forces, while the Iranian people themselves have suffered brutal crackdowns, executions, and growing restrictions on individual freedoms.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts—with Russia growing more aggressive in the Middle East—the West may find itself forced to collaborate with Moscow to curb Iran’s nuclear threat, even if this comes at the cost of weakening Ukraine.
Appeasement and the Rise of the Iranian Regime
The 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) was the pinnacle of Western appeasement. Europe hoped that lifting some sanctions would turn Iran into a responsible regional actor. Instead, it resulted in:
- Expansion of IRGC Influence: Billions of dollars in freed-up funds allowed the IRGC and Quds Force to expand their proxy networks across Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon. Tehran’s backing of Hezbollah paralyzed Lebanon’s political system for years, preventing the country from even electing a president. A nation once known for religious and ethnic coexistence became deeply fragmented under Iranian influence.
- Missile & Nuclear Advancements: While Iran pretended to comply with the JCPOA, it covertly expanded its nuclear and missile programs. Following the fall of Syria’s dictator and the weakening of its regional proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas, Tehran shifted its focus to developing advanced missiles—now capable of carrying nuclear warheads—posing a direct threat to Israel and neighboring countries.
- Hostage-Taking & Assassinations in Europe: Appeasement emboldened the regime to take Western nationals’ hostage and conduct assassinations of dissidents—even on European soil.
As a result, the appeasement policy not only emboldened the Iranian regime but also enabled harsher domestic repression. Ali Khamenei crushed two nationwide uprisings, ordering the mass killing of thousands of Iranian protesters.
Will the Iranian Nuclear Threat Push Trump Closer to Russia?
The West now faces a serious nuclear threat from Iran. Will this force Trump’s administration to seek closer ties with Russia? If so, the primary motivation would be to counter China. However, part of the rationale may also be to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and limit its regional influence.
The West’s Options for Containing Iran
- Military Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities: A high-cost, high-risk strategy with no guarantee of success, as Iran has built its nuclear facilities deep underground and created redundant enrichment sites.
- Maximum Sanctions: While this could limit Tehran’s financial support for proxy forces, the regime has a history of prioritizing its survival and expansion over the economic well-being of its people.
- Collaboration with Russia: Some analysts believe this is Trump’s most likely path forward. Moscow has been Tehran’s strategic partner for years, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian even signed a long-term strategic agreement with Russia before Trump’s inauguration. Putin may seek to use Iran as leverage in negotiations with the West to ease his own international isolation.
The Real Solution: Let the Iranian People Decide Their Future
A smarter, more cost-effective, and sustainable approach is empowering the Iranian people to overthrow the regime themselves.
Iran’s organized resistance movement has a clear roadmap for the country’s future:
Defending freedoms & women’s rights
Ensuring ethnic autonomy
Separation of religion & state
Abolition of the death penalty
A non-nuclear Iran committed to Middle East peace
According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI)—a democratic alternative opposed to both the Shah’s dictatorship and the clerical regime—a transitional government would be established following the regime’s downfall. This interim government would organize elections within six months, ensuring power is transferred to the people.
A Historic Opportunity for Change in Iran
At a major gathering of the Iranian opposition in Paris, General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special representative for Ukraine, declared:
“This must be the year of hope, action, and change. The Iranian regime is weaker than ever. Change must happen now.”
Similarly, Liz Truss, former UK Prime Minister, identified 2025 as a critical turning point for Iran, emphasizing:
“This is a real opportunity for change. The transformation must come from within, led by the Iranian people. We must stand against politicians in our own countries who continue appeasing Iran.”
Former UK Parliament Speaker John Bercow also underscored the significance of Iran’s organized resistance, noting:
“Thousands of resistance units across Iran are deeply embedded within society. They are rising from within the country and are inseparable from the Iranian people.”
Conclusion: End Appeasement, Support Resistance
Iran’s regime is at its weakest point in decades. However, change will not happen unless the West ends its policy of appeasement and supports a democratic alternative.
Iran’s organized resistance movement, with thousands of active units inside the country, has the capability to lead this transformation. The world must stand behind this movement—just as France’s resistance against fascism was once supported.
Now, more than ever, there is a real opportunity to achieve a free and democratic Iran.
Dear reader,
Opinions expressed in the op-ed section are solely those of the individual author and do not represent the official stance of our newspaper. We believe in providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, even those that may challenge or differ from our own. We remain committed to providing our readers with high-quality, fair, and balanced journalism. Thank you for your continued support.
