Truth vs Lies
Exposing Regime Propaganda
For over four decades, the Islamic Republic has built its power on deception. From the promises made before the 1979 revolution to today's propaganda, we document the lies and reveal the truth. Facts matter. Evidence matters. The truth will set Iran free.
TAQIEH: THE ISLAMIC DOCTRINE OF LYING
Before analyzing regime claims, you must understand that lying is not just permitted — it is encouraged when it serves Islamic goals
What is Taqieh?
Taqieh (تقیه) is an Islamic concept that permits — and in some cases encourages — Muslims to lie, deceive, and conceal their true beliefs when it serves the interests of Islam or when they perceive danger. While historically used by Shia Muslims to protect themselves from persecution, the Islamic Republic has weaponized this doctrine to systematically deceive both its own population and the international community.
The word "Taqieh" (تقیه) comes from the Arabic root "waqa" meaning "to protect" or "to guard." It is also known as "Taqiyya" in Sunni contexts.
What Khomeini Said About Taqieh
"Preserving the Islamic Republic is a divine duty that takes precedence over all other duties... If lying is the only way to achieve this goal, then lying becomes obligatory."
This principle, known as "Maslahat" (expediency), established that any action — including deception — is permissible if it serves the survival of the Islamic Republic.
How the Regime Weaponizes Taqieh
Systematic deception at every level
International Negotiations
Making promises in nuclear talks while secretly advancing weapons programs. Smiling at diplomats while chanting "Death to America" at home.
The JCPOA negotiations saw Iran repeatedly deny military dimensions of its nuclear program despite IAEA evidence to the contrary.
Domestic Propaganda
Promising democracy and freedom before 1979, then establishing totalitarian theocracy. Every election is called "free" while candidates are pre-vetted.
Khomeini promised women would be free, then imposed mandatory hijab within months of taking power.
Covering Up Crimes
Denying responsibility for shootdowns, massacres, and human rights abuses — then blaming victims or foreign powers.
The regime denied shooting down Ukrainian Flight PS752 for days, calling it "engine failure" and threatening families who said otherwise.
State Media (IRIB)
Broadcasting fabricated confessions, doctored footage, and staged rallies as "news" while calling authentic journalism "fake news."
Forced confessions from tortured prisoners are regularly broadcast as genuine admissions of foreign conspiracy.
Why This Matters
Understanding Taqieh is essential for analyzing any regime claim. When the Islamic Republic makes a statement, ask: "Does lying serve their interests here?" If the answer is yes, treat the claim with extreme skepticism. Their ideology explicitly permits — and sometimes requires — deception.
The following sections fact-check specific regime claims. Remember: these are not honest actors making occasional mistakes. This is a system built on a doctrine that considers deception a religious duty when it serves the Islamic Republic.
Fact-Checking Regime Claims
Separating propaganda from documented reality
“Khomeini promised democracy and would not rule after the revolution”
In Paris interviews (Jan 1979), Khomeini told Le Monde and The Guardian: "I don't want to rule... I am a spiritual guide." He promised women would be free, minorities protected, and a democratic republic. Within months, he declared velayat-e faqih (rule of the jurist), executed thousands of leftists who helped the revolution, and imposed mandatory hijab.
“The revolution was a unified people's movement”
Leftist groups (Tudeh Party, Fedayeen, MEK) allied with Khomeini believing they would share power. After seizing control, Khomeini systematically eliminated them. In 1988, an estimated 4,000-30,000 political prisoners were executed in mass purges. Tudeh Party leaders were executed after public "confessions." The Left was used and destroyed.
“The 1953 coup was an illegal Western overthrow of democracy”
The Shah exercised his constitutional authority under the 1906 Constitution to dismiss Prime Minister Mossadegh, who had himself dissolved parliament illegally. Mossadegh requested and received emergency powers to rule by decree. The constitutional monarch's dismissal of a prime minister was a legal prerogative, not a coup.
“Iran has free and fair elections”
All candidates are pre-vetted by the unelected Guardian Council. In 2021, only 7 of 592 registered candidates were approved. The Supreme Leader holds ultimate power, not elected officials.
“Hijab wearing is voluntary”
Mandatory hijab is enforced by morality police. Mahsa Amini died in custody after arrest for "improper hijab" in 2022. Thousands have been arrested, fined, or imprisoned for hijab violations.
“There are no political prisoners in Iran”
Over 20,000 people were arrested during the 2022 protests alone. Iran holds thousands of political prisoners including journalists, activists, lawyers, and minority rights defenders.
“Economic problems are solely due to Western sanctions”
No one asked the regime to chant "Death to America, England, Israel, France, Saudi Arabia" every week for 45+ years and expect zero reaction. No one forced them to secretly develop nuclear weapons, lie about it repeatedly, call sanctions "worthless paper," then cry that sanctions have crippled the economy. Khomeini himself said "Economy is for donkeys" (اقتصاد مال خره) — showing the regime's contempt for economic welfare. The IRGC controls 40% of the economy, and billions are spent on proxy wars while Iranians starve.
“Protesters are foreign-backed terrorists”
Protesters are ordinary Iranians: students, workers, mothers, teachers. They seek basic rights like freedom of expression, dress, and assembly. International observers document peaceful protests met with lethal force.
“Women have equal rights in the Islamic Republic”
Women's testimony is worth half of a man's in court. Women cannot travel without male guardian permission. Women cannot have surgery done on their bodies without male guardian permission. Inheritance laws favor men 2:1. Many professions and positions are restricted for women. Women cannot attend sports stadiums. A woman cannot become president or Supreme Leader.
“The Islamic Republic protects all minorities”
Bahá'ís are banned from universities and government jobs; 200+ executed since 1979. Kurds face systematic discrimination and military operations. LGBTQ+ individuals face execution under Islamic law. Sunni Muslims cannot build mosques in Tehran. Jewish population dropped from 80,000 to 8,000.
“Western powers, not Iranians, oppose the Islamic Republic”
The West has consistently HELPED the regime: The Iran-Contra affair saw the US secretly sell weapons to Iran. Israel sold weapons to Iran during the Iraq war despite public hostility. The JCPOA deal released $56 billion to the regime (video evidence: @hafezeh_tarikhi). The US avoided designating IRGC as a terrorist organization for years. Western countries treat the Islamic Republic as a legitimate government at the UN. Incredibly, Iran was allowed to chair the UN Commission on Status of Women. The Iranian people risk their lives opposing this regime despite Western appeasement.
REGIME PROPAGANDA DEBUNKED
How the Islamic Republic manufactures fake narratives to discredit genuine Iranian protests
THE BIG LIES
Core regime propaganda vs documented reality
"Protests are organized by CIA/Mossad"
With the Rial dropping 20,000x in value, 60%+ inflation, mass executions, and imprisonment rates among the highest in the world — who would need foreign agents to encourage protest? When there is no prospect of a normal life, people protest. If foreign agencies truly can mobilize millions across all 31 provinces including religious cities like Qom and Mashhad, the regime is effectively admitting it is a failed state that has lost the people.
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, UN Special Rapporteurs have documented that protests are genuine grassroots movements responding to regime policies. No intelligence agency in history has mobilized this many people across an entire country.
Sources: Iran International, NUFDI, Human Rights Watch
"Protesters are rioters and terrorists"
A regime that considers Hamas' October 7 atrocities — the murder, rape, and kidnapping of over 1,200 civilians — as "legitimate resistance" has absolutely no moral authority to call unarmed protesters "terrorists." Iranians love life, not "Islamic heaven." They want a good life on this earth, not martyrdom. The protesters are students, workers, mothers, doctors, and teachers seeking basic human rights.
Over 550 killed in 2022 protests included children as young as 7. International investigations found systematic extrajudicial killings by regime forces against unarmed civilians.
Sources: Amnesty International, Iran Human Rights
"Only a small minority opposes the regime"
Protests in 2022-2026 occurred in all 31 provinces including religious cities. ISPA (the regime's own polling organization, Iranian Students Polling Agency) published data showing 91% of Iranians are against the regime — before the poll was hastily removed. Brain drain statistics show 150,000+ educated Iranians leaving annually.
ISPA polling data (subsequently deleted), leaked internal regime documents showing officials acknowledge widespread discontent. Security forces deployed to every major city simultaneously confirms nationwide opposition.
Sources: ISPA Iran, Iran International, NUFDI
"Foreign media spreads fake news about Iran"
This is the same regime that lied for days about shooting down Ukrainian Airlines Flight PS752, killing 176 innocent people. From the Supreme Leader to IRGC generals, everyone called it "engine failure" and threatened anyone who said otherwise. They never genuinely apologized, never prosecuted anyone, never provided the black box. Their ideology (Taqieh) allows and encourages lying — so who is the real source of fake news?
NetBlocks documented 300+ hours of internet shutdown since December 28, 2025 — the longest blackout ever. This is not the act of a government with nothing to hide.
Sources: NetBlocks, Access Now, Ukraine Investigation Commission
REGIME DISINFORMATION TACTICS
Methods used to manufacture false narratives
Staged Footage
State media films staged "pro-regime" rallies with bused-in government employees. Attendance is mandatory for many workers.
In 2022, regime TV showed "millions" at rallies — but geolocated footage showed the same small crowds filmed from multiple angles.
Altered Evidence
IRIB (state broadcaster) has been caught editing footage, removing protest signs, and splicing unrelated violence into protest coverage.
France24 and BBC verified that regime TV used footage from other countries' protests and labeled it as "Iranian rioters."
Forced Confessions
Arrested protesters are tortured into making televised "confessions" admitting to being foreign agents.
UN experts documented systematic torture including solitary confinement, beatings, and threats to family members to extract false confessions.
Internet Blackouts
During protests, regime cuts internet to prevent documentation of violence. When restored, they claim "calm has returned." The current blackout since December 28, 2025 has exceeded 300+ hours — the longest in history.
November 2019: 1,500+ killed during 168-hour blackout. December 2025-present: 300+ hours and counting. The true death toll only emerges weeks later from leaked documents.
THE REAL CRISIS
What the regime doesn't want you to see
Water Crisis
of Iran's land area faces drought. But the crisis is man-made: IRGC-controlled companies have diverted water for profit, destroying farms and forcing migrations.
Blames "climate change" and "Western sanctions"
IRGC dam projects diverted water from farmers to regime-connected industries. Protests in Khuzestan were met with bullets.
Economic Collapse
currency devaluation since 2018. Inflation at 50%+. Average Iranian lost 80% of purchasing power.
Blames "maximum pressure sanctions"
Regime spending on proxies ($800M/year to Hezbollah alone), nuclear program, and elite corruption caused collapse. Sanctions target regime, not people.
Brain Drain
educated Iranians leave annually. Iran has world's highest brain drain rate. Average age of emigrants: 28.
Claims "traitors leaving" or denies statistics
Young Iranians flee lack of opportunity, mandatory military service, and political repression. This is a vote of no-confidence in the regime.
VERIFY FOR YOURSELF
Trusted sources for Iran news — not regime propaganda
PROTECT YOURSELF
The regime uses social media to identify protesters. If you're inside Iran, use VPN, don't share personal details, and trust only verified sources.
PRINCE REZA PAHLAVI
Why the legitimate leader of Iran's freedom movement has lived in exile for 47 years
FORCED INTO EXILE
Not by choice, but by regime death warrants
Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi was only 17 years old when he left Iran in 1978 for pilot training in the United States. He never returned — not because he abandoned his country, but because the Islamic Republic issued death sentences for him and his entire family.
Death Sentences
Ayatollah Khalkhali, the regime's "Hanging Judge," issued death warrants for the entire Pahlavi family. Returning meant certain execution.
Family Assassinated
His cousin Shahryar Shafiq was assassinated in Paris in 1979 by regime agents. The threat was real and ongoing.
Volunteered for War
When Iraq invaded Iran in 1980, Prince Reza volunteered to serve in the Iranian Air Force to defend his country. The regime rejected his offer.
47 Years of Dedication
Despite exile, he has dedicated every day to the cause of Iranian freedom, never giving up on his people or his oath to serve them.
THE COUNTRY BUILDERS
What the Pahlavi dynasty built for Iran
Iranians call the Pahlavi family "country builders" (کشور سازان) for transforming Iran from a medieval society into a modern nation in just 50 years.
Education Revolution
1,500% increaseBuilt Tehran University (1934), established free education, increased literacy from 10% to 50%, sent thousands abroad for advanced degrees.
Healthcare Transformation
300+ hospitalsCreated national healthcare system, eradicated smallpox and malaria, reduced infant mortality by 75%, trained modern medical professionals.
Industrial Powerhouse
13% GDP growthBuilt steel mills, auto industry, petrochemicals. Iran became Middle East's largest economy with world's fastest growing middle class.
Infrastructure
50,000+ km roadsTrans-Iranian Railway, modern airports, dams, power plants, telecommunications. Iran had the most modern infrastructure in the region.
Women's Rights Pioneer
Before SwitzerlandIranian women gained voting rights in 1963 — eight years BEFORE Swiss women (1971). Women held cabinet positions, led universities, became judges and ministers. Iran was the most progressive Muslim nation for women under the Pahlavi government.
WHY IRANIANS TRUST HIM
The only leader with Iran's agenda — not foreign powers'
No Foreign Deals
Unlike MEK (backed by Saddam, then neocons) or regime reformists (backed by EU appeasement), Prince Reza has never made deals with foreign powers over money or access to power.
Iran-First Agenda
His 6-point plan focuses solely on what's best for Iran: democracy, human rights, women's equality, economic prosperity — determined by Iranians through free elections.
Constitutional Monarchy Option
He advocates for a referendum where Iranians choose their own government — including the option to reject monarchy. His priority is Iranian freedom, not personal power.
Connected to Reality
Through extensive networks inside Iran, daily contact with activists, and modern communication, he understands the struggles of ordinary Iranians better than regime officials in their palaces.
THE OATH
"I have sworn an oath to dedicate my life to the freedom and prosperity of Iran and all Iranians. This is not just my mission — it is my sacred duty."— Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi
REGIME LIES VS REALITY
"The Prince abandoned Iran"
He was 17, sent for education, then faced death sentences. His cousin was assassinated. He volunteered to fight for Iran — the regime refused.
"He's disconnected from Iran"
No other person's name has been chanted in support across all 31 provinces of Iran except Reza Pahlavi. From Tehran to Tabriz, from Mashhad to Zahedan, Iranians call his name in the streets. He maintains daily contact with activists, analysts, and ordinary Iranians. His intelligence about conditions inside Iran often exceeds regime officials'. This street-level support proves his connection to the Iranian people is real, not manufactured.
"He's a puppet of foreign powers"
He has never accepted conditional support from any foreign government. His funding comes from Iranian diaspora, not foreign intelligence agencies.
Khomeini's Promises vs Reality
What he promised before 1979 and what actually happened
"We will not have a dictatorship. We will not have despotism. Women are free in the Islamic Republic in the selection of their activities and their future."
Mandatory hijab enforced by 1981. Women banned from many professions. Unequal inheritance laws. A woman's testimony worth half a man's in court. Minimum marriage age lowered to 9 years old (later raised to 13).
"Personal belief is not a criterion. We don't want to interfere in people's personal affairs. We will have democratic freedoms."
One-party theocratic dictatorship established. Opposition parties banned. Thousands of political prisoners executed. No freedom of speech, press, or assembly. Morality police enforce Islamic dress codes and behavior.
"Religious leaders will not rule. We will return to our seminaries. The clergy will only guide the people."
Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) established - Supreme Leader holds absolute power. All government positions controlled by clerics or approved by clerics. Guardian Council can veto any law or candidate.
"We will not execute anyone. The new Iran will have mercy and compassion. We seek justice, not revenge."
Over 20,000 political executions in the first decade. 5,000+ executed in 1988 prison massacre alone. 2,228+ executed in 2025. Iran leads world in per-capita executions.
"We will make Iran self-sufficient. Oil money will be distributed to the poor. Everyone will have free electricity, water, and transportation."
Currency devalued 20,000x (70 to 1.4 million Rials per USD). Widespread poverty and unemployment. Inflation over 40%. Brain drain of educated professionals. Economic isolation due to sanctions from terrorism and nuclear program.