Historically known as Persia, Iran stands as one of the most illustrious civilizations in human history. For centuries, it was a beacon of cultural, scientific and political advancements, earning respect and admiration across the globe. This legacy of greatness persisted until 1979, when a group of Islamic fundamentalists, obsessed with religion, hijacked a revolution that drastically altered the nation's trajectory.

The mullahs seized control, installing a theocratic Islamist regime that has since ruled with an iron fist — arguably one of history's most brutal and oppressive reigns. The proud heritage of a nation that once symbolized enlightenment and progress has been overshadowed by a reign marked by suppression, regression and fear.

What the people of Iran longed for during the 1979 revolution was democracy, freedom and the opportunity to thrive in a modern world. Yet, with astonishing speed, the mullahs seized their aspirations, transforming a country celebrated as a regional hub of hope, prosperity, and progress into an economically and politically bankrupt state. For more than four decades, the Islamist regime has steered Iran toward ruin, not only dismantling its potential but also weaponizing its resources for militant agendas that sow chaos far beyond its borders. The contrast between what Iran was and what it has become under this regime is both tragic and stark.