The US's decision to allow Iranian citizens to vote in their sham presidential election has sparked deep concern among analysts and former officials, who highlight the terror-sponsoring regime's human rights abuses and continued pursuit of nuclear weapons.
The Biden administration's recent authorization of Iranian citizens to cast their ballots in their totalitarian regime's presidential election from US-based makeshift polling stations has drawn widespread criticism and raised serious apprehensions among experts.
The election, which culminated in the victory of Masoud Pezeshkian, has been deemed illegitimate by Iranian observers, who assert that the dominant media has falsely portrayed the race as a contest between a "reformer" (Pezeshkian) and a "hardliner" (Saeed Jalili). They argue that both candidates are firmly aligned with the regime's repressive policies.
Biden Administration's Facilitating of Iranian Voting Stations on US Soil Raises Concerns for Experts
The largely symbolic presidential position is ultimately controlled by the unelected Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who retains absolute authority over domestic and foreign matters. This election has witnessed the lowest voter turnout since the country's Islamic Revolution in 1979, further undermining its legitimacy.
Iranian-American expert Lisa Daftari has strongly denounced the administration's decision to facilitate the regime's election activities on US soil. She emphasized the Iranian regime's history of violence against Americans and their continued detention of American citizens. Daftari questioned the rationale for providing such access to a rogue and murderous regime, designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Biden Administration's Facilitating of Iranian Voting Stations on US Soil Raises Concerns for Experts
The Biden administration's decision has also been criticized for appearing to target Iranian voters in the US to compensate for the lack of voter participation within Iran itself. Many Iranians have refused to legitimize the regime by voting, yet the US has granted it a platform to establish polling stations on American soil.
A State Department spokesperson has defended the decision, arguing that foreign governments conducting election-related activities in the US must comply with US laws and regulations. However, Patel emphasized that the US does not consider the Iranian elections to be free or fair and does not expect them to result in any substantial change in the regime's behavior.
Biden Administration's Facilitating of Iranian Voting Stations on US Soil Raises Concerns for Experts
Reports have emerged of an alleged assault by a security guard on an Iranian-American who objected to the election at a polling location in Lynnwood, Washington. The incident has raised further questions about the administration's handling of the matter.
The Iranian-American woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed shock and dismay over the establishment of regime voting stations near her home. She left Iran years ago due to the regime's oppressive tactics and was deeply disturbed by its presence in the US.
Additional protests have been staged by Iranian-Americans and Iranian-Canadians at various polling locations across the country. In one instance, a hotel manager canceled the runoff vote after protesters showed up to demonstrate their opposition.
The administration's decision to facilitate Iranian voting stations on US soil has reignited concerns about the regime's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recently reported that Iran has significantly increased its uranium enrichment levels, approaching weapons-grade levels. This has further escalated tensions between Iran and the US, with the administration reportedly seeking to re-impose sanctions lifted under the Iran Nuclear Deal.
The administration's handling of Iranian elections on US soil has raised serious questions about its foreign policy strategy towards Iran. The decision has been condemned by experts and Iranian-Americans alike, who argue that it emboldens the regime and undermines US values. The long-term implications of this decision remain uncertain, but it is clear that the US's relationship with Iran will continue to be a complex and challenging one.
