Alexander Maryasov: “ Iran not only has no intention of surrendering but is also intensifying retaliatory strikes ”

Today’s guest is a highly experienced diplomat and orientalist who worked for many years as Consul General and Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Iran. Given his unique expertise, we have had a look at the current critical situation in the Middle East.

– Mr. Maryasov, you are a highly experienced diplomat and orientalist who worked for many years in Iran in various capacities; you were Consul General headed the Russian embassy in Tehran. How has Iran changed over the years you have known it, from your work in Isfahan in the 90s to the present day?

– I began working in Iran during the Shah’s regime, as a secretary at the Soviet consulate in Rasht, which reopened in 1969. During my next assignment, this time at the USSR Embassy in Tehran, I witnessed the final years of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s rule.

Under him, Iran was a secular and relatively successful state. However, the entire political life of the country revolved around the Shah. He was considered an enlightened monarch, but he banned the activities of any opposition parties and organizations, except for one hand-picked party he created himself, the Rastakhiz (Resurgence) Party. The Shah promoted Western values and imposed a Western, primarily American, way of life. He was eagerly followed by comprador business circles, government officials, members of the intelligentsia, and cultural figures, with whom the Shah shared the vast revenues from the multiple increases in oil prices. But the overwhelming majority of the traditionalist population, which continued to live in poverty, did not accept these trends and preferred Islamic spiritual values and ideals.

After the 1979 revolution, rapid Islamization of all aspects of Iranian society began, ranging from the structure of the state to the norms of social and cultural life. For quite a long time, while the revolutionary enthusiasm of the population still persisted, these norms were observed. However, amidst the growing Western sanctions pressure and the authorities’ inability to resolve pressing socio-economic problems, protest sentiments began to rise in Iran. They were particularly strong among urban youth, who demanded the abolition of religious restrictions in public and cultural life. In recent years, these sentiments have begun to escalate into anti-government protests.

– There is a lot of talk now about Iran being disappointed with Moscow. Allegedly, during the current escalation (the “2026 war”), Russia limited itself to general statements in the UN Security Council and did not........

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