TEHRAN- Sina Zarei, an Iranian documentary producer, has released an open letter addressing the stark contrast between the lived reality in Iran and the misleading lens of Western international media. In his letter, Zarei argues that European and American outlets deliberately oversimplify and distort Iran’s internal complexities to serve geopolitical interests.

“What is happening in Iran is fundamentally different from what is portrayed in Western media,” Zarei writes, acknowledging that while Iranians do protest for economic reforms, lower inflation, and individual freedoms—like citizens in any other nation—these legitimate demands are often hijacked by foreign narratives. He emphasizes that the Iranian people have endured decades of "unjustified and cruel sanctions" simply for asserting their independence from U.S. interference.

The filmmaker asserts that the primary driver behind Western hostility is not a concern for democracy, but a desire to control Iran’s vast energy resources. “What America seeks above all is our oil,” Zarei notes, pointing to the tragic precedents in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, and Iraq. He suggests that the West’s ultimate goal is a "weakened and fragmented" Iran that can no longer stand as a regional bulwark against hegemonistic policies.

“Because they could take the oil and there would be no one left to oppose Israel. Israel and the Zionists, since the beginning of history and since the emergence of Islam, have been enemies of Muslims. In some of their theories and writings, it is claimed that these people are superior and that they would have the right to kill others in order to conquer their land, ‘from the Nile to the Euphrates,’ without ideological obstacles.”

Zarei further critiques the nuclear narrative, labeling it a pretext for perpetual pressure. He contrasts the scrutiny of Iran's peaceful nuclear program with the massive nuclear arsenals held by the very nations—led by the U.S.—that have historically used such weapons of mass destruction.

Addressing the inflated casualty figures reported by some Western sources, Zarei dismisses the claim of 40,000 deaths as a mathematical and social impossibility. “If such a figure were true, every Iranian would know at least one or two victims personally. That is simply not the case,” he explains, stating that the real death toll is closer to 3,000, which includes a significant number of police officers and innocent civilians killed by extremist groups.

The documentary producer highlights the presence of "trained groups" within protests who have committed horrific acts of violence, such as burning a police officer alive and decapitating a father in front of his child. “This is no longer a simple protest; it is a criminal act,” Zarei insists, defending the right of any sovereign justice system to punish such atrocities.

Zarei concludes by explaining that Iran’s political structure cannot be judged by "European-style democracy." He cites Iran’s unique desert geography, its history of facing aggressive neighbors, its role as a strategic bridge between East and West, and the spiritual strength of Shiism as the pillars of its strong central power. 

“Understanding the current situation in Iran cannot be done simply through media reports,” Zarei states, calling for a deeper appreciation of the country’s complex historical and geographical reality.

SAB/