The fall of the Islamist regime in Iran will cause serious geopolitical consequences and will be a huge defeat for Russia and Putin, according to former Republican congressman Don Ritter.
Geopolitical consequences for the region and the world
«The fall of the Islamist regime in Iran would be a huge defeat for Russia and Putin, especially given the Iranians’ involvement in the production of Shahed drones and supplying parts for them»
– former Republican congressman Don Ritter
The former congressman noted that on a global level Iran and its allies have already suffered defeats.
«This is only one point, but overall they have lost on the global level. The Russians lost in Syria, and Iran suffered a heavy defeat in the 12-day war with Israel, and its allies have weakened»
– former Republican congressman Don Ritter
He stressed that the consequences of changes in Iran extend beyond the region.
«Besides Russia, this will also be a defeat for China, since Iran, Russia and Venezuela supply China with oil, and it, in turn, supplies these countries with industrial goods, including major equipment with dual-use potential that can be used for military purposes»
– former Republican congressman Don Ritter
According to him, the geopolitical situation today resembles a “great chess game”.
«Ousting Maduro was the first step,» said the former congressman. «The Cuba issue, though not attracting as much attention, looms on the horizon. A change of leadership in Iran will significantly alter the global balance of power»
– former Republican congressman Don Ritter
It is a country with a population of 92 million people, which has enormous reserves of oil and gas, he added.
Ritter emphasized that changes in Iran could create opportunities for democratic forces and open the way for the country to realign toward the West, which would have strategic significance for the security and economy of the region and the world.
According to Ritter, the United States could undertake limited military strikes against key elements of the Iranian regime, in particular against its propaganda infrastructure and the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in order to strengthen the position of the protest movement in the country.
In this context, Ritter stressed that events in Iran could change the geopolitical chain of power and place the world in a more favorable position to achieve its goals in the region.