Prince Reza Pahlavi’s January 2026 interview with The Economist exposed a gap between Western legitimacy tests and Iran’s authoritarian reality. His credibility is rooted in organic, high-risk support inside Iran and sustained diaspora mobilization, not elections the regime makes impossible. He frames his role as transitional and non-partisan: preventing chaos, securing a democratic process, and…
The Cyrus the Great Institute (CGI) has issued an urgent appeal to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the detention of Mr. Erfan Qaneei Fard, an Iranian political analyst, writer, and one of the founders of CGI, who is currently being held in Texas. Mr. Qaneei Fard has been a consistent voice against extremism…
The Cyrus the Great Institute (CGI) presents a constructive assessment of the Iran Prosperity Project’s Emergency Phase plan, a 180-day roadmap for governance in the aftermath of the Islamic Republic’s overthrow. While recognizing the Booklet as the most comprehensive effort in nearly half a century to prepare for transition, CGI identifies both notable strengths and…
The Iranian opposition is often criticized for refusing to engage with separatist parties, yet this position is both principled and justified. This paper offers a threefold defense of the opposition’s stance. First, territorial integrity is a legal right of the state enshrined in international law—not an individual entitlement—and is essential for sovereignty and stability. In…
Israel’s surprise attack exposed the Islamic Republic’s staggering military vulnerability, eliminating top commanders and penetrating airspace with impunity. The regime’s collapse in air defense and intelligence is not merely operational, it reflects decades of corruption, ideological purges, and systemic decay. As the war unfolds, six scenarios emerge, including revolt and military coup. In the early…