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An Iranian Writes to Prime Minister Tony Blair - June 13, 2003

Feb 10, 2026 February 10, 2026 2 min read 📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway

An Iranian exile in Sweden, Mehran Makki, writes to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair expressing the suffering of the Iranian people under the current regime and urging support for a secular democracy in Iran. He criticizes the UK for its past support of the Iranian clerics and calls for a change in policy that aligns with the interests of a democratic Iran.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Mehran Makki's letter calls for Western support for a democratic Iran, highlighting the ongoing struggle against theocratic rule.

👥 Key Players

Mehran Makki MENTIONED
Iranian exile and activist
"Represents the voice of many Iranians who oppose the current regime and seek democratic reforms."
Tony Blair MENTIONED
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2001-2007)
"As a key Western leader, his policies and support can significantly influence the political landscape in Iran."
Jack Straw MENTIONED
UK Foreign Secretary
"His stance on Iran and relations with the clerical regime impacts UK foreign policy and its perception in the region."

📰 What Happened

Mehran Makki, an Iranian exile, wrote a letter to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair urging him to reconsider the UK's support for the Iranian regime and to back the Iranian people's desire for a secular democracy. He expressed the suffering of Iranians under the current theocratic government.

  • The letter highlights the discontent of Iranians living under a theocratic regime.
  • Makki criticizes past UK support for the Iranian clerics and calls for a shift in policy.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: The letter reflects the frustrations of many Iranians with their government and the desire for democratic change.
🌍 Regional: A shift in UK policy could influence other Western nations' approaches to Iran and potentially impact regional stability.
🌐 International: The letter underscores the complexities of Western involvement in Iran and the historical context of foreign relations.

📚 Background

Iran has a long history of political turmoil and conflict between secular and religious forces, with the 1979 Islamic Revolution leading to the current theocratic regime. Many Iranians, especially those in exile, advocate for a return to secular governance.

Iranian Revolution Western foreign policy in the Middle East
📡 Source: OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence: 70%
The letter represents the views of an Iranian exile, which may reflect a critical stance towards the Iranian government and Western policies.

Dear Mr. Prime Minister, I am an Iranian far away from my homeland in exile here in Sweden. The reason I am taking your precious time is that we Iranian people are suffering from this theocratic, anti-human, terrorist regime of mullahs. And unfortunately, the Iranian people mostly blame your country for backing up this bunch of illiterate clergies. Mr. Prime Minister, we have more than 3000 years of written history, at least not less than any country in Europe; do we not deserve a secular democracy? Are we not in the twenty-first century? Are you not thinking of Iran's tomorrow, for your country's national interest? Mr. Prime Minister, I am sure that this extremist regime is going to change, whether you like it or not. If your foreign minister, Mr. Jack Straw, is so fond of these ayatollahs, he can bring them to London before it is too late, before we send them to the dustbin of history. Mr. Prime Minister, we still remember the role the BBC played when you made an Imam from the most illiterate, cruel, bloodthirsty, Stone Age living clergy and forced His Majesty the King of Iran into exile. Since that time, we have been living in misery, with four million Iranians abroad seeking refuge. Mr. Prime Minister, there is no difference between these clergies; they are all the same, and they are all against humanity and democracy. I am asking you to think about your future relations with a free democratic Iran and back up the Iranian people. That is the right decision made by the US president, and I believe that you will benefit from this policy, which would fulfill your future national interest as well. Best regards, Mehran Makki

🌐

Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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