Understanding Iran’s Ideological Landscape: A Deep-rooted Belief System
Mehdi Ghadimi, an Iranian journalist, recalls being taught fundamental beliefs of Iran’s ruling ideology from a young age. He describes that the Iranian regime educates children about being part of a divine mission chosen by God. According to him, this message permeates schools, mosques, and even state media, framing the world as a stark battle between good and evil with Iranian leadership positioned as defenders of this cause.
While many discuss Iran’s governance in political terms, insiders and critics highlight a more extreme core: a belief system deeply entrenched in religious absolutism and a worldview that allows little compromise. This ideology now faces challenges with a new generation of commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following ongoing military conflicts.
Figures like Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi exemplify individuals shaped by years of regional conflict. Their worldview intertwines religion and security, emphasizing survival at any cost.
At the center of this belief system lies the concept of the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Shiite Islam. Adherents believe this figure will return to bring justice, with Iran’s political structure placing the supreme leader as the caretaker of this belief. Critics argue that this creates a divine aspect to political authority, rendering it almost untouchable.
Lisa Daftari, a foreign policy analyst, notes that this belief can transform any disagreement with leadership into a challenge against the Hidden Imam, making ordinary discussions about policy feel sacred and, thus, less open to debate.
The Mahdi doctrine also serves as a flexible justification for various policies, allowing leaders to claim moral authority for actions that may not have a direct religious basis. It enables the regime to frame its decisions, from crushing protests to supporting foreign militias, as necessary steps in preparation for the Mahdi.
Ghadimi points out that within Iran’s political framework, the idea of ‘moderates’ or ‘reformists’ is structured to create a façade for Western negotiation, while the fundamental goals remain focused on defeating Western influence and establishing Islamic dominance.
As both Ghadimi and Daftari explain, this belief system’s integration into societal norms shapes perceptions from childhood, leaving little escape for alternative views. It contributes to a worldview where conflict is seen as a part of a larger, divine struggle.
This ideological framework not only drives current policies but also reinforces a narrative that any violence against perceived enemies—including Jews—can be seen as acceptable, even divinely sanctioned. The Iranian government considers maintaining power as a holy obligation, framing its global mission accordingly.
Critics emphasize that this ideology informs not just the regime’s behavior but also how it views itself. The underlying belief that enforces Islamic law worldwide underscores that Iran’s approach is not just about national interests; it reflects a broader religious mission.
Ultimately, if the Iranian system is grounded in a blend of belief, power, and worldly mission, then its policies—whether suppressive locally or confrontational internationally—may not simply be tactics but integral components of its identity. In this context, understanding the underlying ideology becomes crucial for effective policymaking and negotiation.
