$50 Billion to Syria Vanished into Thin Air: Unrest in Iran Grows over Economic Turmoil - Interview

Iran’s public discontent surged in recent weeks as economic hardships, including widespread power outages and rising inflation, fueled calls for change, Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) researcher Benny Sabti told a Hebrew news outlet on Friday, January 10.  

Sabti began by describing the growing frustration among the Iranian population. “People are very angry with the regime for squandering funds, oil revenues, and resources on Syria, which fell alongside Hezbollah,” he said. 

“The regime has poured $50 billion into Syria from 2000 until now, all of which vanished into thin air, along with funds sent to Lebanon and other places.” According to Sabti, the Iranian public views this as “a regime failure.”  

Sabti believes recent events have given Iranians hope. He pointed to key incidents, such as the reported elimination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which exposed the Iranian regime’s vulnerabilities, and “the fall of Gaza.” 

He emphasized: “All of this gives the Iranian public—80% of whom oppose the regime—hope.” Sabti cited a parliamentary member’s report attributing the opposition level to the low voter turnout in the last presidential elections. (JPost/VFI News)

“Dear God, we pray that You give the people of Iran the power to reject the authoritative leaderships that have been afflicting them and move forward with the elected leaders of their choice. We pray that You give them strength and the power to establish a democratic political system in their country that will favor the citizens and international peace. We thank You for all Your provisions and we pray in Yeshua’s name.”