At this time of peak societal resistance and obvious regime frailty, it appeared that the free world, in general, and the United States, in particular, was ready to help tilt the balance of power within Iran toward the democrats. Second, the United States and the free world could allow Iranian oil to be sold, but the proceeds would be held in an escrow account controlled by the United States and released to the Iranian government only after a democratic transition. If the balance of power within Iran between autocrats and democrats becomes more equal, American and European mediators could facilitate negotiations between elements of the old order and leaders of the new democratic movement to agree on a roadmap for Iran’s transition from autocracy to democracy.
Author: February 11, 2026
Published at: 2026-02-11 00:00:00
Still want to read the full version? Full article
