Essentials Under Review

A New Chapter for Iran: Ayatollah Khamenei’s Vision — Commentary by Mohammad Tavakoli, Editor-in-Chief of Ensaf News, September 2025.

In today’s speech, the Leader of the Islamic Republic addressed a range of topics from domestic to foreign policy. Two points stood out: the emphasis on maintaining unity and supporting the president, and the explanation of why direct negotiations with the United States are prohibited.

However, a less-discussed part of the speech was Ayatollah Khamenei’s assertion that there is no objection to reforming the foundational principles of the Islamic Republic. He stated that if individuals wish to complete, revise, or add to the principles of the Islamic Republic, there is no problem with that.

This part of the Leader’s remarks is especially significant because it is rare for such a high-ranking figure to speak so openly about “reforming the foundations of the system” and to create space for changes at this level—changes that could lead to structural reforms.

The key question is whether other pillars of the government are ready to accept the practical implications of Ayatollah Khamenei’s statement.

It is clear that reforming a system’s foundations cannot be achieved without removing some parts and adding new ones. Is it possible to have open discussions in official media about which principles of the Islamic Republic should be removed and what new elements should be considered foundational?

Can the national broadcaster, which proudly announces bans on members of a legal political organization, host critics of the system’s foundations?

Are parts of the country’s security apparatus, which focus on monitoring political behavior, prepared to shift their perspective in light of the Leader’s emphasis?

And—

Declaring that reforming the foundations of the Islamic Republic is permissible could be a green light from the Leader to initiate a series of major changes aimed at resolving existing structural issues.

Of course, this straight path has its opponents. The first group consists of regime-change advocates who see any reform as an obstacle to their goal. The second group includes those who regard the system’s foundations as sacred and, despite their claims of loyalty to the Leader, may even oppose Ayatollah Khamenei on this matter.

Pan-Iranist Progressive Elaborates

The word "Ensaf" (إنصاف) in Arabic translates to "fairness," "justice," or "equity" in English. So, Ensaf News essentially means "Fairness News" or "Justice News" — a name that suggests the outlet aims to report with impartiality, balance, and ethical integrity.

It’s a powerful choice for a media platform, especially in a political context, as it signals a commitment to truth and fairness in journalism. Ayatollah Khamenei once stated that he is not a politician, but a revolutionary warrior. At Pan-Iranist Progressive, we remember him not as a conventional politician during his presidency, but as a staunch advocate for Iranian troops during the war against Saddam’s regime. 

We do not claim he lacks the talent to be a politician; rather, we emphasize that being a revolutionary warrior within the ranks of religious clerics is a rare and remarkable distinction.

Throughout Iran’s history, countless religious clerics—both from the Zoroastrian and Muslim traditions—have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the nation. Their devotion transcended personal belief, as they stood for the greater good of Iran, defending its sovereignty, culture, and people in times of peril.

These individuals, guided by faith and patriotism, gave their lives not for power or recognition, but for a vision of Iran that endures. Their courage and selflessness will never be forgotten, and their legacy remains a vital part of the country’s spiritual and national identity.

But among all who have served, we recognize one revolutionary warrior who stands as a king in Iranian history—Yaghub Leis Safari.

Radman Shah Pour-e Mahak means "The King Rad with the ancestry of the Rad qualities, the son of the Mahak. This early medieval Persian name emphasizes both the self-made, hard warrior lineage of the king and the inherent qualities of Rad that were gained over time.

Unveiling the Battle of Balkh, 900 AD, and the post-Ya'qub Layth era, alongside a transparent historical analysis of the Saffarid dynasty timeline and exploring the absence of Ya'qub Layth in Ferdowsi's epic Shahnameh, we find that Ferdowsi's work as a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Persian race is particularly notable given that all previous dynasties, unlike the Saffarid dynasty, did not go to war for the independence, identity, and language of Persian values and ethics.

Rad

Honest, Brave, and Helpful Warrior, Champion of the People. The Arabic synonym for "Rad," which translates to "Ayar," conveys a similar meaning of being a just, brave, and honorable warrior.

AI elaborates in English language: The concept you're describing sounds like a combination of several admirable qualities. While there isn't a single English word that captures all these attributes perfectly, some words come close:

• Champion: This can refer to someone who fights for a cause, helps others, and upholds honesty.
• Paragon: A model of excellence or virtue, embodying high moral standards.
• Hero: Someone who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
• Paladin: A knight known for their chivalry, bravery, and honesty.
• Virtuous Warrior: This phrase combines the ideas of being morally good and brave in battle.

In Muharram, we honor the one force that truly rose to the moment—the Rad troops of Ya'qub Leis Saffar, Persian warriors, not necessarily even Muslim who decisively crushed the Khawarij waves invading Iran long after the 1st Fitna for two centuries. 

Nobody remembers and recall the true Iranian heroes who marked that victory these days during the Muharram—one that dynasties like the Safavids, centuries later, exploited for religious and political advantage within the Shia line of fate. This is the mighty, all-powerful transparency of Persian royal legacy—an enduring force that stands tall to this day, above all odds.

Tradition, Parliament, and Progress

The Pan-Iranist Progressive considers the article below in Farsi language essential to pursue its rightful position within the Iranian parliament and advocate for the restoration of a modern 26th century Persian monarchy's constitutional title. 

This effort aims to align with traditional monarchical principles while safeguarding against dictatorship—preserving Iran’s rich legacy, empowering its people, and protecting the environment for future generations.

The Table of Truth and Competing Versions of Iranian Identity

The “table of truth” is a conceptual framework for understanding how different regimes, dynasties, and ideological movements curate and propagate their own version of historical reality. These versions shape national identity, legal precedent, and cultural memory.

Key Axes of Truth

• Dynastic Truth: Legitimacy based on lineage, conquest, or reform (e.g., Zand vs. Qajar narratives)
• Religious Truth: Clerical authority and theological interpretation (e.g., Qajar clerics vs. Safavid mysticism)
• Revolutionary Truth: Ideological purity and historical revisionism (e.g., Islamic Republic’s post-1979 narrative)
• Progressive Truth: Cultural resilience, transparency, and reform (e.g., Pan-Iranist Progressive vision)

Each version selectively amplifies or suppresses historical actors. The Zand dynasty, known for peace-building and cultural patronage, is often marginalized in favor of Qajar clerical dominance, especially in the Islamic Republic’s historiography.

Tangestan Defense as a Pillar of Pan-Iranist Progressive Identity

The Tangestan resistance, particularly during British incursions in the early 20th century, represents a grassroots warrior ethos—tribal, decentralized, and fiercely patriotic. It embodies:

• Local sovereignty against imperialism

• Ethical warfare rooted in honor and land protection

• Cultural continuity from pre-Islamic and dynastic Iran

For the Pan-Iranist Progressive, Tangestan is not just a geographic memory—it is a symbol of indigenous resistance that predates and transcends both Qajar clericalism and Islamic Republic revisionism. Reintegrating Tangestan into the national narrative reclaims a non-clerical, non-imperial Iranian identity.

Qajar Clerical Truth vs. Zand Survivors’ Legacy

The Islamic Republic’s ideological lineage draws heavily from Qajar-era clerical authority, particularly in its legal and theological structures. This version of truth:

• Prioritizes Shi’a jurisprudence over dynastic pluralism

• Suppresses Zand-era diplomacy and reform, which emphasized secular governance and foreign neutrality

• Erases Zand survivor bloodlines, which could challenge the clerical monopoly on legitimacy

The Zand survivors, if traced and validated, offer a counter-narrative: one of ethical governance, cultural patronage, and strategic neutrality. Their marginalization is a deliberate act of historical concealment.

Reframing the Jiroft-Landlord Case

Reframing the Jiroft-landlord land dispute as a criminal case is a tactical move toward historical justice and forensic truth. This approach enables:

• DNA testing to verify Zand lineage and expose fraudulent claims

• Criminal framing to investigate systemic concealment, not just property rights

• Historical intelligence transparency to reveal suppressed documents, clerical interference, and dynastic erasure

This is not just about land—it is about restoring identity, ethical lineage, and historical accountability.

Strategic Path Forward

To align with the Pan-Iranist Progressive vision, the following steps are essential:

1. Initiate forensic genealogy through DNA testing of claimants tied to Zand heritage

2. Demand judicial reclassification of the Jiroft case under fraud and concealment statutes

3. Launch historical intelligence review to declassify archives tied to Qajar clerical networks and Zand suppression

4. Reintegrate Tangestan into national curriculum as a symbol of ethical resistance and decentralized sovereignty

5. Establish a Truth Table Commission to map competing versions of Iranian history and propose reconciliatory frameworks

This initiative is about reengineering identity through truth, ethics, and transparency. If you’d like, I can help you draft a strategic communication plan or manifesto to frame this with clarity and impact.