Iran’s current tyrant does not want to give up his destructive and tension-building policies in the region, the world beyond, [or to take any step towards reducing tension]. This is because he is extremely fearful that if his foreign policy is changed so as to normalise relations with other countries in the region and the world, based on international law and mutual interests, he will lose his corrupt and usurped power. Thus, he is determined to maintain his dominance over the country at any cost. Ironically, his Achilles heel is this very same thirst for power, one which will eventually lead to his downfall.

The sudden and surprising announcement of the petrol price increase was the calculated decision of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s present dictator – and the natural consequence of his tyrannical autocratic policies – which was first proposed months ago and briefly implemented by the obedient government of Hassan Rouhani. The plan was revoked and set aside for another time following the people’s rush to the petrol pumps and media wide reporting of its adverse consequences. The government, as in previous cases, did not dare to accept any responsibility.

The deprived and the poor are paying the heavy cost of these devastating policies in various aspects of their lives, particularly economically. The increasing economic pressure has led to a lockdown across all of the country’s affairs. Hassan Rouhani has officially announced that he faces a $30-billion shortfall in his $45-billion budget, thus a two-thirds deficit. It is unlikely that there has ever been such a deficit in the contemporary history of Iran. In these difficult times, from where and what source or sources are this staggering deficit and the other heavy expenses incurred as a result of Ali Khamenei’s selfish tension-building policies, going to be remunerated?!

But in these difficult days, [the regime] are capable only of resorting to [further] pressuring the oppressed people of Iran. They have proved that they have no capability or expertise to solving these problems, so they resort to their bullying tactics, announcing a sudden increase in petrol price as an already-implemented decision to a shocked nation.

It is very clear to the people that this price hike is the beginning of a new round of inflation and will trigger a surge in prices. The question is why should people pay such a heavy penalty? The answer is clear to the people… Because Iran’s present tyrant does not want to abandon his destructive and tension-building policies in the region, and the world beyond, and will not take any step towards peace and detente. He is extremely fearful that if his foreign policy is changed, resulting in the normalisation of relations with other countries in the region and the world based on international law and mutual interests, he will lose his corrupt and usurped power. Thus, he is determined to maintain his dominance over the country at any cost. Ironically, his Achilles heel is this very same thirst for power, one which will eventually lead to his downfall.

People began to protest spontaneously in many cities as soon as they heard the news of the petrol price rise, a protest which is the most basic and natural right of people. Protesters expressed their demands peacefully, but unfortunately the tyrant’s servants responded with violence and cruelly assaulted and murdered innocent protesters. In conveying my condolences to their grieving [families / loved ones], I reiterate that the security personnel, police and plain-clothed forces as well as other repressive elements who took part in this suppression are responsible and accountable for the spilled blood, but the foremost ultimate culprit is Ali Khamenei and he must be answerable.

Abolfazl Ghadyani, is a well-respected political commentator and prominent Iranian national- religious figure group in opposition to the theocratic regime.