In a rare interview, former IRGC officers criticized the Islamic Republic, revealing deep-seated doubts about the regime and expressing concerns over the future of Hamas and Hezbollah. They highlighted significant internal divisions within Iran’s military and voiced support for Israeli actions against the regime, reflecting a growing discontent among the ranks.
Several former Iranian officers have recently expressed their criticisms of the Islamic Republic during a rare interview with N12, emphasizing their belief that Hamas and Hezbollah may struggle to regain strength. Javad, a former IRGC operative, detailed his past role in suppressing protests and his recruitment into the extremist Basij militia. He disclosed insights regarding the Islamic Republic’s response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh by Israeli intelligence in Tehran last year.
Javad described the operation as exceptionally precise, indicating that Israeli intelligence had deeply penetrated the IRGC. “The Revolutionary Guards were in complete shock… they’re aware that Mossad knew exactly where he was staying, down to the room number.” He noted that after the assassination, subsequent high-profile eliminations like that of Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah had further weakened Tehran’s position.
He elaborated on how the IRGC suffered a major blow following the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria, stating that “the IRGC lost one of its strongest fronts in Syria” and suggesting that Syria was now operating in Israel’s interests. Javad expressed skepticism regarding Hamas and Hezbollah’s recovery, stating the IRGC was adapting its strategies to focus on operations from Yemen instead.
Having been a staunch supporter of the regime, Javad’s views shifted after experiencing internal persecution. Other former military personnel, including Arash, a lieutenant colonel in the Iranian Air Force, elaborated on the divisions within Iran’s armed forces. The IRGC maintains loyalty to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while the regular army faces resource allocation issues, leading to heightened tensions.
Arash indicated that members of the regular army could potentially rebel against the regime, stating, “If another attack happens, it could spark open conflict between the IRGC and the army.” Both Javad and Arash voiced support for Israeli military actions against the ruling elite of Iran. Javad noted a general satisfaction among Iranians regarding Israeli strikes on Iran’s air defense systems, indicating that a more aggressive stance would be welcomed by the populace.
Arash urged that striking key IRGC bases could incite an uprising and allow the army to declare freedom for Iran, aligning with Javad’s hope for Israeli strength to influence change in Iran. These testimonies highlight significant internal fractures within Iran’s military and a growing tide of discontent among its members.
The accounts of former IRGC and military officers reveal critical discontent and dissent within Iran’s armed forces regarding the Islamic Republic. Both Javad and Arash’s remarks suggest a fragility in the regime’s stability and increasing hopes for Israeli military support to instigate change within Iran, indicating deeper resistance to the current leadership than previously recognized.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
