“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient” – Qur’an 2:155
IRAN, once known as ancient Persia, is home to 95 million people and boasts a civilisation stretching back 100,000 years. The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BCE, has been around for over 2,500 years. Spanning a landmass larger than that of Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Spain combined, Iran stands as a monumental bridge connecting East and West.
Blessed with staggering natural wealth, Iran sits atop some of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, making fossil fuels the lifeblood of its economy. Its soil contains resources such as copper, iron ore, zinc, uranium, gold, and coal, while its arable fields yield dates, pistachios, and a variety of other fruits. Iran’s promise extends to renewable energy and abundant water resources, though these gifts come with their own set of challenges.
A nation so rich and resilient cannot hope to escape the relentless gaze of America and its allies. The West, especially Israel, bristles at the thought of an alternative to its dominance, and Iran’s survival after nearly half a century of punishing sanctions only fuels their frustration. Iran’s rise as a regional power and its economic, technological, scientific and cultural triumphs have made it a target of envy and obsession. The West’s fixation will not waver until Iran is rendered asunder like Iraq, Libya, or Sudan.
The West’s anxiety over Iran far surpasses its concern for North Korea, because Iran is not just flexing military muscle—it is advancing on every front, from science to culture, refusing to be boxed in.
In 1979, when the Islamic Revolution took place, university enrolment in Iran was approximately 100,000; by 2016, it had risen to 4.7 million. It has an adult literacy rate of about 97%, compared to America’s 28%. As of 2023, 96.1% of Iranian women were literate, a significant jump from 35.5% in 1976. Women outnumber men in higher education, particularly in science and engineering, and they exceed men in admissions and graduation in many other fields.
This relentless pursuit of knowledge has propelled Iran into the front ranks of technology, from nanotechnology and aerospace to medicine and artificial intelligence. Sanctions have only sharpened its resolve, fueling a surge in homegrown innovation and scientific achievement. Iran now leads in nanotechnology publications, has crafted its own COVID-19 vaccines, and has made bold strides in robotics, lasers, and satellites. Its skies have witnessed the launch of locally made satellites, and its arsenal boasts indigenous advanced missiles and drones.
With these milestones, Iran has become the West’s waking nightmare, a nation that has murdered sleep and so must never be allowed to rest. Every conceivable tactic will be used against it, for in Iran, the West sees a rival with the power to take its place on the world stage.
Given all this, one must ask: why does Iran still allow itself to be caught off guard? Just last June, Trump spun them in circles with endless negotiations, all the while plotting with Netanyahu to deliver a blow meant to stun the nation.
While negotiating with Oman as mediator, Trump backed Israel to launch a surprise attack, killing notable military and scientific figures. But Iran has been warned of this by the founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Mostafavi Musavi Khomeini, who said, “The enemies want to weaken our people’s morale by killing one person, ten persons, one hundred persons or even one thousand persons.” And he warned, “If you fear them, you have been defeated. One should not be afraid of the enemy’s threats, howls, and the pressures they bring.”
Trump then brazenly demanded Iran’s surrender, warning that “my friend Bibi’s next move would be even more ruthless”. In his desperation for regime change, he issued a chilling ultimatum: the 15 million residents of Tehran should flee or face bombardment. His goal was clear—to unleash fear, chaos, and anarchy that would instigate the toppling of the regime.
After he met with Netanyahu on Monday, December 29, 2025, Trump said, “Something big will soon happen”. Many cast their minds to a military attack on Iran. Even Iran was preparing for that.
Yet we cannot ignore the real prize: Iran’s oil. Of the world’s top five oil-rich nations, Iran alone refuses to bow to Washington. Venezuela tops the list; its president is already in Trump’s grip. Saudi Arabia, second on the list, is compliant. Iran, third in reserves, stands defiant, while Iraq and Kuwait, fourth and fifth, pose no challenge. The message is clear: Iran’s independence is a thorn in America’s side.
Just as negotiations served as a smokescreen, Trump’s promise of ‘something big’ was seen as a prelude to war. Instead, it was a ploy to spark riots, with foreign agents stirring unrest to plunge Iran into chaos and civil war, giving Trump and Netanyahu a pretext to invade under the guise of protecting Iranian citizens. These covert games may come and go, but military action still looms as a desperate last card. Only that this time they will go for broke, having underestimated Iran in June.
Is it any wonder that prominent Israelis and Americans openly sided with rioters torching police stations and government buildings, and killing security agents?
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued strong statements of support for the protests and civil unrest by posting on X, “Dear people of Iran, you are not alone”.
Former CIA director and US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, wrote: “Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also, to every Mossad agent walking beside them.” In his bid to further ingratiate himself with Trump, he even went on to arrogate some celestial powers to him, claiming, “The Iranian regime is in trouble…47 years of this regime; POTUS 47. Coincidence?”
It is fair to ask: when have these people ever truly cared a hoot for Iranians? Would Trump have imposed crippling sanctions if he did? Sanctions that have claimed the lives of children, the sick, and the elderly?
However, as long as Iran continues on its path of independence and self-reliance, for that long will the US and Israel continue to attack it. More so, it is now the easiest route to China. China may soon be getting 100% of its oil from Iran, now that Venezuela is out. Cut off Iran, and the Land of the Dragon may crumble. It is also the gateway to Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” dream. It is the only obstacle that has stopped Israel’s march. With it gone, Muslim countries like Pakistan and Turkey would be brought to their knees by the West and Israel. Already, the Gulf states are compromised.
To them, therefore, success will only be achieved when they stage a regime change and install a puppet, such as the Shah’s son, who will be subservient to them. However, they would prefer a fragmented Iran that would be ineffective in the Middle East. That will ensure they commandeer and monopolise Iran’s vast resources, steal its missiles, other technologically advanced weapons, arrest its scientific advancements, and steal its resources in the name of paying for damages, like in the 12-Day War. In effect, the aim is to subject Iranians to a life of indignity and servitude – because America does not come to partner, it invades to subjugate and plunder.
Therefore, Iranians must always keep in mind Imam Khomeini’s admonition: “We should be awake and alert and never commit a blunder. God will awaken our nation and help our people attain prosperity, dignity, as well as their aim, which is the aim of Islam, and to cut off the hands of all those who are oppressors.”
Lest I Forget
In this season of “recognition” so as to destabilise a nation, we should be ready for ours. They have recognised Somaliland, and soon it will be Biafra. The aim is to stir discontent at home. If you are preoccupied with putting out the fire in your home, will you be able to ‘put mouth’ (intervene, in local parlance) in someone else’s affairs?
Don’t forget that, amidst Israeli genocide in Gaza, Nigeria is one of those who spoke up for the rights of Palestinians for statehood at the UN. This brave stance would attract the ire of Trump and Netanyahu. Or have you not noticed their recent threats (aimed to encourage division) towards Nigeria?
- Dr Gimba, anipr, is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Neptune Prime. His syndicated column, The Arbiter, appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Monday.