Two-minute read
With European powers signaling a potential re-enactment of all UN sanctions, the Iranian regime has unleashed a torrent of threats, projecting an image of defiance. However, this aggressive posturing is a thin veil over a deep-seated panic. An analysis of the regime’s own internal discussions and state media broadcasts reveals a leadership terrified of renewed international pressure, haunted by its own strategic incompetence, and convinced that the West’s ultimate goal is its overthrow.
A Façade of Bravado
The regime’s public response has been a carefully orchestrated campaign of intimidation. The head of the parliament’s Legal and Judicial Commission warned the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal that activating the “snapback mechanism” would have “major negative consequences,” starting with the collapse of any negotiation process. This was echoed by the spokesman of the parliament’s security commission, who stated bluntly, “If the snapback mechanism is activated, we will withdraw from the NPT.”
This rhetoric has escalated into overt military threats. Hossein Shariatmadari, a mouthpiece for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, publicly questioned, “Now that the European troika is seeking to activate the trigger mechanism, why don’t we use the leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz?” Meanwhile, MP Esmail Kowsari claimed military preparations for this action are “complete,” though no final decision has been made. The IRGC’s Tasnim News Agency further detailed a “retaliation menu,” including enriching uranium from 60% to 90% and severely restricting IAEA inspections.
#Iran News: Regime FM Defiant After Blocking @iaeaorg, Warns Europe Against "Snapback" Sanctionshttps://t.co/rT3fiPTFwa
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 28, 2025
State Media Exposes Regime’s Fear
The most revealing insights, however, come from the regime’s own state-controlled television. In a remarkably candid broadcast on July 15, 2025, regime analyst Fouad Izadi stripped away the facade of confidence. “The activation of the snapback mechanism is not good for us,” he admitted. “The return of sanctions through snapback is not good.”
Izadi then laid bare the regime’s core paranoia, framing all international pressure as an existential threat. “When you hit the state broadcaster… you are after overthrowing the government,” he declared, adding, “Their work isn’t finished… their goal is the overthrow of the Iranian government.” He confessed to crippling strategic failures, lamenting a past “analytical mistake” that led to the country being “surprised” by an attack that occurred “in the middle of negotiations.” He admitted the leadership erred because they did not heed Khamenei’s warnings that the West is untrustworthy.
Most tellingly, Izadi acknowledged that the regime’s diplomatic efforts under its new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, are counterproductive. “Every time the president of Iran says he wants to negotiate,” he explained, “the translation for Trump… is that they do not want to defend themselves… You are, in fact, exporting weakness.”
While welcoming the adoption of the IAEA Board of Governors’ resolution, I stress the urgent need to activate the snapback mechanism, implement the six UN Security Council resolutions, end uranium enrichment, and dismantle the regime's nuclear facilities—all of which are long… pic.twitter.com/SCHosqpyKO
— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) June 12, 2025
A Moment for International Resolve
The contrast between the regime’s loud threats and its private confessions could not be starker. The bluster about 90% enrichment and closing the Strait of Hormuz are the desperate gambits of a leadership that openly admits snapback sanctions would be a devastating blow. Their internal blame game and fear of being “surprised” again underscore not strength, but profound fragility and incompetence.
The international community should not be intimidated. The regime’s own analysis shows it is acting from a position of desperation. This is a moment for resolve. A policy of firmness, including the full re-imposition of all UN sanctions, is the most effective path to address the regime’s malign activities. These threats must be seen for what they are: the frantic cries of a corrupt theocracy terrified of its own demise and the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.