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In The National Interest<\/em>, published on January 16<\/a>, 2026, Ambassador Lincoln P. Bloomfield Jr. and Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad argue that Iran\u2019s ongoing uprising represents a genuine opportunity for democratic transformation\u2014but only if history\u2019s mistakes are not repeated. The authors warn Western media and policymakers against prematurely anointing a single \u201cleader-in-waiting,\u201d particularly exiled figures such as Reza Pahlavi, whose claims of popular mandate lack verifiable support inside Iran.<\/p>\n The article situates today\u2019s unrest in the context of severe economic collapse, political repression, and the clerical dictatorship\u2019s inability to govern effectively after nearly five decades in power. Drawing lessons from the 1979 revolution, the authors caution that revolutions are often derailed not only by repression, but by the concentration of legitimacy in one personality\u2014leading to authoritarian outcomes that betray popular aspirations.<\/p>\n Amb. Bloomfield and Dr. Sepehrrad emphasize that Iranians are not fighting to restore monarchy or replace one strongman with another, but to establish popular sovereignty, democratic institutions, and guaranteed rights. They outline core requirements for a credible transition, including separation of religion and state<\/a>, gender equality, minority protections, independent courts, free elections, and dismantling the IRGC\u2019s repressive apparatus.<\/p>\n The authors conclude that Iran\u2019s revolution belongs to its people, not to external power brokers or media narratives, and that meaningful international support must empower voices inside Iran rather than elevate symbolic figures abroad.<\/p>\n The full text of the National Interest article follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n Essay on Iran uprising co-authored with Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad. The media campaign surrounding Reza Pahlavi misreads the Iranian people\u2019s clear aversion to dictatorship – monarch or mullah: https:\/\/t.co\/IU0u0akqk8<\/a><\/p>\n — Lincoln Bloomfield Jr (@LBJunior) January 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n