When the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February, the idea that the Iranian regime could play a critical role in the war was inconceivable to some people. But the Islamic Republic has gradually escalated its involvement in the conflict.

Not only does the character of the ongoing widespread uprising in Iran appear to be different this time, but the various and contradictory reactions of the regime’s political establishment points to a major crisis within the Islamic Republic.

With both the Iranian regime and Russia being hit by further sanctions from the West, particularly the US, the two have become militarily, politically and economically closer than ever before.

Hard-line Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who is known as the “Butcher of Tehran,” should be held accountable for his crimes rather than given a platform to spread his propaganda.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been silent for months about a potential new nuclear deal, but his silence does not mean that he has completely delegated the nuclear issue to President Ebrahim Raisi and his team.

Making concessions to a rogue state only emboldens it to pursue its destructive behavior and policies. This has been the case with the Iranian regime since it was established four decades ago.