In the current difficult and complex situation, the result of a hundred years of accumulated errors (despite significant successes) in the pursuit of modernity, the talk everywhere is of “infiltration” and the “infiltrator.” This refers to individuals, both within the government and the opposition, who are playing a destructive game for the interests of others—those who think of nothing but the ruin of Iran and its future. In this context, perhaps modern history can provide two relatively clear characteristics for such infiltrators, who can, of course, be either conscious, unconscious, or a combination of both.
The first characteristic is radicalism, animosity, and aggression, which manifest in violent, exaggerated, and decisive actions, without any boundaries toward yesterday’s domestic and foreign friends. The second is an invitation to unconditional compromise and surrender, without any regard for complex internal and external situations or contemporary history, and without acknowledging any past mistakes. On the contrary, it insists on repeating them, again without any conditions.
Being an infiltrator is nothing but populism—offering simple solutions for complex problems in an even more complex world. It is playing the enemy’s game; it is sheer foolishness that also leads to ruin. To solve the current problems, there is no way forward but to distance ourselves from dogmatism, believe in critical thinking and allow for its realization, believe in expertise and sound, non-ideological thought, believe in collective wisdom and free and frank criticism, and strive for maximum political and social freedom and democracy. We must create an open space for moderate expression and reject radical, short-term solutions from anyone, to enable a gradual but sustainable exit from this situation.
This is an AI-generated translation of a note by Nasser Fakouhi, dated September 2025. The original text is available at the following source:
