Bishop Warns Iranian Regime in 'Death Throes' But Urges Caution
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani, has declared that the Iranian regime is currently "in its death throes" but cautioned that this should not lead to underestimation of its capabilities. Speaking exclusively to the Press Association, the bishop emphasized that the regime is doing everything possible to survive another day, despite facing existential threats.
Personal History and Current Concerns
Bishop Francis-Dehqani, who sits in the House of Lords, was born in Iran in 1966 and fled the country with her family as refugees when she was 14 years old, following the 1979 revolution. Her father, Hassan Dehqani-Tafti, was the Anglican Bishop in Iran and faced imprisonment and an assassination attempt, while her brother Bahram was murdered. Reflecting on the current situation, she expressed deep concern, stating she "weeps for what could be coming" and is currently unable to contact anyone she knows in Iran due to communication blackouts.
"I think that this regime is in its death throes, I genuinely do," she said. "But death throes can last for a very, very long time. I don't have any clear sense of when it will end, but I believe it will end, and so I think they feel a sort of existential threat."
Regime Survival and Brutal Crackdowns
The bishop highlighted that the regime lacks a coherent plan for financial reassertion and is focused solely on daily survival. This desperation has led to "utterly, utterly barbaric" crackdowns, as seen at the end of last year and into this year. She warned that Iran constantly surprises the West, suggesting that even political leaders like President Trump might be taken aback by Iran's responses to recent attacks.
"I think everything they're doing is about trying to survive another day and that shouldn't be underestimated," she reiterated, pointing to the regime's ability to plan for contingencies despite outward chaos.
UK Stance and International Law
On the UK Government's decision not to join the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Bishop Francis-Dehqani expressed agreement. She noted that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was right to question the legal status under international law, even as she acknowledged that international law is "virtually now in shreds." "I think it's right that we stood by that and refused to join the attack," she affirmed, emphasizing the importance of upholding legal principles despite global challenges.
Fears of Civil War and Internal Change
Her greatest fear is that Iran could descend into a devastating civil war if the regime collapses. She explained that there is no credible opposition to unite the people, and some factions seeking change might be "no better, if not worse" than the current regime. "I really fear civil war and massive bloodshed," she said, recalling reports from Iran during protests where terrorist dissident groups were beheading government agents, leading to indiscriminate crackdowns on innocent protesters.
Bishop Francis-Dehqani stressed that any regime change must come from within Iran, as Western interventions have historically undermined Iranian agency. "The West has intervened so often in the politics of Iran, the people almost have lost the ability to work out their future for themselves," she observed. While supporting dissident groups, she argued that Iranians need to lead their own future, noting that democracy is a "far-off dream" requiring gradual learning in a nation with no democratic history.
Current Communication Blackout and Future Outlook
As the situation unfolds, the bishop reported a complete communication blackout, with no messages getting in or out of Iran. This has left many with family ties in a state of anxiety and uncertainty. She warned that initial celebrations over events like the Ayatollah's death could quickly turn to fear as the reality of a prolonged conflict sets in. "I really weep for what could be coming in the coming days and weeks," she concluded, urging vigilance and compassion in the face of potential turmoil.
