What Is the Root of the Iranian Regime’s Hostility Toward the Republic of Azerbaijan?
To better understand this issue, it is essential to recognize that the Iranian regime’s hostility toward Azerbaijan goes beyond political or economic disputes. Instead, it reflects a broader, deeply entrenched antagonism toward Turks in general—whether Azerbaijani Turks or Anatolian Turks. Over the past century, both the Pahlavi regime and the Islamic Republic have actively sought to distort or suppress the history, language, and culture of Azerbaijani Turks.
Historical Context: A Legacy of Suppression
The root of this hostility lies in the regimes’ fear of ethnic and cultural diversity, which they perceive as a threat to national unity. During the Pahlavi era, policies aimed to create a homogenous Iranian identity based on Persian language and culture. This policy marginalized non-Persian ethnic groups, including Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and Baluchis. The Islamic Republic inherited these ethnocentric policies and, combining them with its sectarian Shia ideology, intensified the suppression of minority groups.
A Culture of Narcissism in Iranian Society
The Iranian regime’s discriminatory policies point to a deeper issue: a widespread culture of superiority and entitlement within certain segments of society. This mindset has fueled systemic racism and the suppression of ethnic minorities. Some research suggests that unresolved societal trauma, coupled with the regime’s authoritarian nature, has fostered narcissistic attitudes that permeate both politics and religious ideology
To explore this further, let’s examine ten key traits of narcissistic individuals and their reflections in the Iranian regime’s behavior
Ten Classic Narcissistic Traits
- Grandiose Sense of Self-Importance
- Exaggerates achievements and demands recognition as superior without merit.
- Preoccupation with Fantasies of Success, Power, or Perfection.
- Constantly dreams of unlimited success, power, and superiority.
- Belief in Being Special and Unique
- Believes only elite groups can understand them or share their status.
- Need for Excessive Admiration
- Craves constant praise and affirmation to maintain self-esteem.
- Expects favorable treatment and automatic compliance with their desires.
- Exploitation of Others
- Uses people or circumstances for personal gain without remorse.
- Lack of Empathy
- Unable to recognize or understand the feelings of others.
- Envy of Others or Belief That Others Are Envious of Them
- Often feels jealousy or assumes others are jealous of them.
- Arrogant or Haughty Attitudes
- Displays arrogance and disdain toward others, often belittling them.
- Fragile Self-Esteem Masked by Confidence
- Insecurity hidden beneath outward confidence, easily wounded by criticism.
Similarities Between Narcissism and Shia Ideology
Shia Islam, as interpreted by the Iranian regime, reflects many traits associated with narcissism. Shiism prides itself on being a superior sect, often considering other Muslim denominations—especially Sunnis—as less authentic or misguided. Prominent Shia scholars have gone so far as to declare Sunni Muslims as unbelievers (kafirs)
Shia belief emphasizes the divine authority of Imam Ali and his descendants, creating a sense of exclusivity and entitlement. This worldview is reflected in the attitudes of leaders like Khomeini and Khamenei, who see themselves as rightful leaders of the Muslim world. Below is a detailed comparison of the ten narcissistic traits and their parallels in Shia beliefs:
Narcissistic Traits and Shia Perspective
- Grandiose Sense of Superiority
- Narcissism: Exaggerates self-importance and believes they are inherently better.
- Shia Perspective: Shia scholars often claim their beliefs and loyalty to Imam Ali make them superior to otherMuslims
- Preoccupation with Being Right
- Narcissism: Obsession with being the most knowledgeable or successful.
- Shia Perspective: Belief that Shia interpretations of Islam are divinely guided and the only correct path.
- Exclusive Sense of Belonging
- Narcissism: Views oneself as part of an elite, special group.
- Shia Perspective: Shia Muslims see themselves as the chosen followers of the Twelve Imams.
- Need for Recognition and Validation
- Narcissism: Constantly seeks admiration and affirmation.
- Shia Perspective: Religious ceremonies, such as Ashura, often seek to evoke admiration for Shia resilience and martyrdom.
- Sense of Entitlement
- Narcissism: Expects special privileges and compliance.
- Shia Perspective: Belief in their divine right to political and religious leadership.
- Exploitation of Historical Narratives
- Narcissism: Manipulates circumstances for personal gain.
- Shia Perspective: Shia Islam emphasizes the martyrdom of Imam Hussain to galvanize loyalty and identity.
- Lack of Empathy for Opposing Views
- Narcissism: Dismisses or undermines others’ feelings and perspectives.
- Shia Perspective: Sunni interpretations are often dismissed or invalidated.
- Envy and Suspicion of Others
- Narcissism: Feels envy or assumes others envy them.
- Shia Perspective: Perceives Sunni-majority nations as hostile or envious of Shia ideology.
- Arrogant or Haughty Attitudes
- Narcissism: Displays arrogance and belittles others.
- Shia Perspective: Pride in Iran’s unique religious and historical contributions, often dismissing others’ achievements.
- Fragile Self-Esteem Masked by Confidence
- Narcissism: Insecurity hidden behind outward confidence.
- Shia Perspective: Strong expressions of religious identity often conceal vulnerabilities.
The Role of Clerics in Perpetuating Hostility
The regime relies heavily on clerics, or Akhunds, to enforce its ideological framework. Figures like Ameli, the Friday prayer leader of Ardabil, often use inflammatory rhetoric to stoke tensions and divide communities. Their role is to propagate the regime’s narrative, fostering animosity while justifying oppressive policies.
Historically, clerics have played a pivotal role in legitimizing authoritarian regimes. By aligning their teachings with political agendas, they manipulate religious doctrine to maintain control and suppress dissent. This dynamic reflects the broader narcissistic tendencies within the regime’s leadership. So, regardless of who is in charge—whether it is Pezeshkian or others—they are all compelled to play the same manipulative and divisive role dictated by this fascist regime. When faced with the economic and political success of neighboring countries like Turkey, Azerbaijan, or the Arab nations of the Gulf, the regime’s narcissistic character reveals itself in its inability to tolerate these advancements. Instead, it defaults to blaming external forces such as the United States, Israel, or other perceived adversaries for its own failures. Pezeshkian has mastered the art of deception, skillfully using Nahj al-Balagha to manipulate and distract from his shortcomings. Despite his attempts to project competence, Pezeshkian has consistently failed to address the major challenges facing this regime. His inability to offer effective solutions is becoming increasingly evident, and sooner or later, he will be compelled to resign before exacerbating the situation further.
Azerbaijani people, on both sides of the border, will never forget how this regime supported Armenia militarily and economically during its occupation, enabling atrocities and massacres against Azerbaijanis. Equally troubling is the silence or even tacit support of many Iranian Persian speakers during this time, which further exposed the regime’s deeply rooted racist, fascist, and narcissistic tendencies.
These actions were not isolated incidents but rather an extension of a systemic policy driven by prejudice and an unwillingness to acknowledge the rights and dignity of others.
Moving Toward Unity and Accountability
The Iranian regime’s policies have left deep scars on minority communities, particularly Azerbaijanis. However, these actions have also strengthened their resolve to resist and seek justice. Countering divisive ideologies requires education, critical thinking, and accurate historical narratives
Author: Yousef Namin