Iranian Human Rights Advocate: Only Small Minority in Iran Supports Regime Propaganda

In a revealing interview with Sky News Australia, prominent Iranian human rights advocate Tina Kordrostami shed light on the dynamics between Iran’s ruling regime and its population, emphasizing that only a small minority of citizens actively support the government’s propaganda efforts.

“The vast majority of Iranians do not support the current regime,” Kordrostami explained during the interview. “What we’re seeing is a sophisticated propaganda machine that relies on a small but vocal minority to create the illusion of widespread support.”

Kordrostami, who has spent years documenting human rights violations in Iran, pointed to recent protests as evidence of growing dissatisfaction with the government. The demonstrations, which began in various cities across the country, have faced severe crackdowns from authorities, resulting in numerous arrests and casualties.

“These protests aren’t isolated incidents,” she noted. “They represent a genuine grassroots movement for change that crosses socioeconomic boundaries and includes Iranians from all walks of life.”

The human rights advocate highlighted how the regime’s control over state media creates a distorted picture both domestically and internationally. According to Kordrostami, the government maintains power through a combination of intimidation tactics, economic incentives for supporters, and strict control of information channels.

“There’s a reason why the regime heavily restricts internet access during periods of unrest,” she said. “They understand that free flow of information poses a direct threat to their narrative.”

Recent polling data from independent organizations supports Kordrostami’s assertions. Surveys conducted by research groups outside Iran suggest that approval ratings for the current government remain at historic lows, particularly among younger generations who have grown increasingly frustrated with economic stagnation and social restrictions.

Iran’s complex political landscape has been shaped by decades of international isolation, sanctions, and internal power struggles. The 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Western-backed Shah, established the current theocratic system of government under the supreme leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, followed by Ayatollah Khamenei.

Political analysts note that the regime’s support base has traditionally centered around religious conservatives, members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and beneficiaries of government patronage networks. However, this core group represents a diminishing percentage of Iran’s population of 85 million.

“What’s particularly significant is the generational divide,” explained Dr. Mehran Kamrava, a Middle East expert at Georgetown University Qatar, who was not part of the interview but whose research aligns with Kordrostami’s observations. “Many young Iranians have no memory of the revolution and increasingly question the ideology that underpins the current system.”

The economic impact of international sanctions has further eroded public support for the government. Iran’s oil-dependent economy has struggled under the weight of restrictions, leading to high inflation, unemployment, and diminished opportunities for young Iranians.

During the interview, Kordrostami also addressed the regime’s efforts to portray domestic opposition as foreign-influenced. “This is a standard tactic,” she explained. “By framing legitimate grievances as foreign plots, they attempt to delegitimize the authentic voices of Iranians seeking change.”

Human rights organizations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented extensive violations in Iran, including arbitrary detention, torture, and executions of political prisoners. These abuses have further alienated many Iranians from their government.

The Sky News Australia interview comes at a critical time for Iran, as the country navigates domestic unrest, ongoing nuclear negotiations, and regional tensions across the Middle East. Kordrostami’s insights provide a rare glimpse into the complex relationship between the Iranian regime and its citizens.

As international attention remains focused on Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities, Kordrostami urged viewers not to overlook the aspirations of ordinary Iranians. “When formulating policy toward Iran, it’s essential to distinguish between the regime and the people,” she concluded. “The Iranian people deserve to have their voices heard.”