Repeating the Venezuela Scenario in Iran Is an Illusion / Trump Is Not Seeking Democracy in Iran

According to Rokna, the former US negotiator emphasized that unlike Venezuela, the Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply rooted and will not relinquish power under US military intervention.

Malley remarked: “To be honest, and I know this is difficult for many Iranians to hear, but some are likely hopeful for US intervention.”

Recalling the pre-Iraq war experience, he added that at that time some Iraqis, fatigued by internal conditions and sanctions, believed that a US attack could not make things worse and pinned their hopes on American intervention; however, the outcome differed from expectations.

At the same time, Malley stressed that he does not have a precise assessment of Iran’s domestic situation, noting that he has not traveled to Iran and is not aware of field-level details, but he can imagine that such thinking exists among a segment of the population.

From an American perspective, he described the expectation that developments could unfold as some envision as an “illusion,” adding that Iran cannot be compared to countries like Venezuela.

Referring to Iran’s political structure, he stated: “This is a deeply rooted system and it will not step aside or relinquish power easily.”

Malley also emphasized: “The last thing on the mind of the President (Donald Trump) is a democratic and open Iran.”

According to him, some Iranians may hope that US intervention could lead to such an outcome, but he believes this is not the objective of the US President.

He added that the President seeks a government that is not anti-American and with which he can work, and if an individual or faction comes to power that cooperates with Washington, no further attention will be given to the Iranian people, who had previously been promised assistance.

Malley concluded, referring to decision-making within the White House, that the President likely does not engage in deep strategic and tactical analysis, but if told that an action could destabilize the government and bring individuals to power compelled to agree with the US, he might approve its execution.

The former American official had previously warned that an attack on Iran would have the opposite effect.

Robert Malley added that Iranian leaders believe Trump has “betrayed them not once, not twice, but three times,” making the prospect of returning to negotiations difficult.