We were told that Donald Trump’s rationale for invading Iran was . . . well, a number of things, actually, depending on the day of the week and his mindset of the moment. But along with his imaginary need to destroy the nuclear capabilities he said he had already demolished months earlier, he claimed that he wanted to free the Iranian people from their autocratic, theocratic, tyrannical regime. So he had the long-time ruler, the Ayatollah Khamenei, killed, along with other leading members of the government. He also said that U.S. forces had totally wiped out Iran’s military — land, sea and air forces — so that they would never again be a threat to anyone.

But it didn’t exactly work out that way.

Almost immediately following the death of the Ayatollah, his son — even more rabidly tyrannical than his father — was installed as successor to the throne. The regime is intact, and it is angry. According to one citizen, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of retribution:

“Changed? It’s fallen into the hands of the Revolutionary Guards. The country is a mess. . . . So many of their people are still standing. What I had imagined did not come true. Everything got worse. And we are left with the Islamic Republic. I am gutted that they won this war.” [Fergal Keane, BBC, May 3, 2026.]

Iran’s military, while no doubt severely damaged, is not — as Trump would have us believe — wiped out. They continue to attack U.S. forces and facilities near the Strait of Hormuz and in neighboring countries.

And organized pro-government displays are ubiquitous, while opposition rallies are banned and severely punished. BBC sources in Iran say there is fear that when the war is over, internal repression will once again escalate. A lawyer who works with detainees says:

“Before the war, harsh treatment was reserved for those who were leading the protests, who had Molotov cocktails, or who were armed. But during the war, that harshness has intensified significantly.” [Id.]

*. *. *

It’s as though the regime is sending Donald Trump a message: “Don’t tell us how to run our country!”

But Trump, as usual, has gone deaf, dumb and blind.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
5/5/26