Islamic Revolution Marked Iran’s Third Historic Turning Point and Broke Cycle of Subjugation

“We are living through one of the most critical junctures in modern history,” Haqqani stated. “This conference aims to interpret today’s global shifts through the lens of the Supreme Leader’s strategic insights. What we’re witnessing is a transformation—a shedding of the old international order.”
A World in Flux
Haqqani cited recent geopolitical upheavals—including the 12-day regional war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and intensifying U.S.-China rivalry—as evidence of deep structural changes in the global system. He criticized the aggressive and interventionist behavior of the U.S. government, describing it as morally bankrupt and emblematic of a civilization in decline.
Historical Perspective and National Experience
Drawing from Ayatollah Khamenei’s emphasis on historical awareness, Haqqani stressed that understanding Iran’s past 220 years is essential to grasping its present resilience. He traced Iran’s decline during the Qajar era, when European colonial competition—especially from Britain, Tsarist Russia, and Napoleonic France—led to territorial losses and national humiliation.
He recounted how forced treaties like Golestan, Turkmenchay, and Paris weakened Iran, and how a British-engineered coup ushered in a puppet regime that marked the second major turning point in Iran’s modern history. “This was a period when domestic tyranny and foreign domination worked hand in hand to hollow out Iran’s independence, culture, and economy,” he said.
The Islamic Revolution: A Break from Dependency
Haqqani argued that the Islamic Revolution shattered this cycle. “It was the third historic pivot—one that broke the chains of dependency and reasserted Iran’s sovereignty,” he said. He urged contemporary society to understand the differences between past failures and present strengths, and to recognize the strategic capacities that now sustain Iran’s independence.
Strategic Vision for a New Global Order
Referencing Ayatollah Khamenei’s views on global transformation, Haqqani stressed that Iran must navigate the transition from the old order to the new with strength and wisdom. “History is a strategic science,” he said, “one that reveals the enemy’s goals and tactics.”
He noted that Western powers have consistently opposed a strong and independent Iran, and that the Islamic Revolution disrupted their long-standing agenda. “This is why hostility toward Iran intensified after 1979,” he explained.
Independence as the Foundation of Progress
Haqqani emphasized that true progress is inseparable from independence. “The younger generation must understand that the Revolution was not just about sovereignty—it was about sovereign development,” he said. “Western dependency never led to real progress. The illusion of advancement without independence is a false promise promoted by Western-oriented factions.”
Regional Lessons and Iran’s Unique Position
In closing, Haqqani pointed to regional states that appear developed but lack autonomy. He cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s demeaning treatment of their leaders as proof of how dependency leads to disgrace. “The only nation that stood firm against such humiliation was the Islamic Republic of Iran—thanks to the wise leadership of Ayatollah Khamenei and the revolutionary spirit of the Iranian people,” he concluded.