The Middle East is once again at the center of international tension, as the conflict over Iran and its geopolitical relations affects the entire region. But to understand today, one must go back to the 1979, the year that forever changed the course of the country.
Then, after the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile and established the Islamic Republic of Iran, a theocratic political system where supreme power is in the hands of the supreme religious leader.
Khomeini himself ruled until 1989, but the system he created remains in force today. about 45 years, determining the political, social and religious life of the country.
Decades of repression and political conflict
From the very beginning of the establishment of the Islamic Republic, the new regime was faced with internal conflicts, political persecution, and social reactions.
Historical records and human rights organizations report that thousands of political opponents, protesters and dissidents were executed or imprisoned, especially in the first decades of the revolution. One of the most famous periods was the mass executions of 1988, which remain to this day one of the darkest chapters in modern Iranian history.
In recent years, new protests have erupted many times, particularly after the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, when thousands of citizens took to the streets demanding more freedoms.
A nation deeply divided
The question that is often asked is simple but difficult:
Why does one part of Iranians support the regime, while another fights it?
Analysts believe that Iranian society is deeply divided.
A significant portion of the population — mainly more conservative or religious strata, but also people affiliated with the state system — still sees the Islamic Republic as the guardian of the country's national independence and religious identity.
On the other hand, a large part of the younger generation and urban populations are asking for political freedoms, social rights and more contact with the rest of the world.
This clash of perceptions creates a society that often seems to live between two different realities.
Iran at the epicenter of geopolitics
Alongside internal tensions, Iran is one of the most important geopolitical players in the Middle East.
Its relations with the United States, Israel and the Gulf countries have remained extremely tense for decades, while the country's nuclear program is often at the center of international negotiations.
Recent developments show that the region remains volatile and that any new conflict could affect not only the Middle East but also international stability.
How does it affect Greece and Cyprus?
Developments in the Middle East do not leave the Eastern Mediterranean unaffected. For Greece and Cyprus, the geopolitical tension around Iran has multiple dimensions.
First, the energy security is gaining even greater importance. The energy deposits of the Eastern Mediterranean and the planned pipelines place Greece and Cyprus at the center of a broader energy geopolitics.
Secondly, the strategic alliances Greece and Cyprus' relations with Israel and the United States are gaining particular importance in a period of increased instability.
Third, the shipping and international trade are directly affected by any tension in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Greek shipping, which is one of the largest in the world, is closely monitoring every development.
Fourth, the regional security of the Eastern Mediterranean is directly linked to the conflicts in the Middle East, which makes Greece and Cyprus important geopolitical factors in the region.
Finally, any major crisis can lead to new migratory pressures towards Europe, with Greece often being the first gateway of entry.
The big question
After 45 years of Islamic Republic, Iran remains a country full of contradictions.
A country with an ancient culture, a strong national identity and a people who simultaneously show pride but also a deep desire for change.
The question that concerns many analysts is whether the Iranian system will manage to adapt to the demands of a new generation or whether internal pressures will lead to a new historical turning point.
photo Greek Radio FL
