Threat and Intimidation: The Iranian Regime's Approach to Evading Accountability!
March 19, 2025, 3:06 pm

Threat and Intimidation: The Iranian Regime's Approach to Evading Accountability!

Mir Mohammad

Despite the Iranian regime's desperate attempts to showcase its strength and capability in the face of ongoing American pressure to accept U.S. demands regarding its nuclear program and other issues, this is neither sufficient nor convincing for the Iranian people, especially since the regime is currently in its worst conditions, with deteriorating circumstances heading toward a crisis that could place the regime on the edge of a precipice!

The international community, particularly the West and the United States, has not been convinced by what Khamenei has previously stated regarding the prohibition of producing an atomic bomb. International doubts remain, especially since this regime has a long history of lying and deceit. Thus, when Khamenei told a crowd of his followers on March 12, 2025, in response to Trump's statements, "Our lack of nuclear weapons and our not seeking them is not because America prevents us, but because we do not want it for certain reasons that we have discussed before. However, if we wanted to, they would not be able to stop us," his words bring nothing new; rather, they continue the practice of obfuscation and clouding the regime's true intentions.

Khamenei’s clear fear of potential military confrontation, emphasized by the American president in the event of a refusal to negotiate, has led him to suggest once again that his regime would ignite the region in the event of a military strike against it. Particularly, he added in his earlier speech, "If the Americans or their clients make any mistake, they will be the biggest losers.” As is well-known about the Iranian regime, when it fears a military confrontation and seeks to avoid it, it threatens to ignite the region and close the Strait of Hormuz. However, the notable point here is that this American threat is serious and very grave this time. Instead of threatening that "Iran is capable of delivering a reciprocal blow, and it certainly will," Khamenei should seek a realistic way out of his predicament, especially after suffering a series of significant defeats in the region, which has resulted in a substantial loss of his power.

While Khamenei spends his time issuing threats, he knows full well that his internal situation is on the verge of igniting due to the regime’s dubious policies and approach. If he aims to stir the emotions of the Iranian people who have suffered greatly due to him and his regime, he is mistaken and basing his expectations on weak foundations. The people, who witness daily protests against the dire conditions and his failed policies, want to end the policies based on manipulating the resources and finances of the Iranian people for the benefit of the regime. Thus, any confrontation that occurs will be a confrontation with the regime itself, and it will be he who will bear the cost and consequences!

Why are there many disagreements within the Iranian regime regarding negotiations with the U.S.?
The reality is that Khamenei faces a dead end in addressing the multiple internal issues and crises. If he accepts negotiations, it will trigger a series of repercussions against his rule. If he refuses and opts for confrontation with the United States and its allies while being obstinate, he will have to pay the price in another way, a price beyond the capacity of his weak regime, which Khamenei is more aware of than anyone else.

Regarding internal disagreements within the regime over various issues, the statements of Hassan Rouhani, the former president of the regime, on Friday, March 14, during a meeting with his ministers and deputies from his presidency, deserve attention. He said in part of his speech:
"The continued debate in our country over whether we should join the FATF or not reflects the level of our rationality! Anyone looking at Iran from the outside will fully understand what is happening in the country! … Amid all these crises, we are still arguing about some issues like whether we should negotiate or not! What kind of debate is this?! … Did we not negotiate with the United States regarding Afghanistan and Iraq? When I was Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Khamenei sent me a memorandum with instructions on the points that Iranian negotiators should raise during the talks!"

Hassan Rouhani's statements directly contradict Khamenei’s assertions, where he stated: "We will never negotiate with the United States because that is irrational and shameful." This contradiction clearly reveals the deadly deadlock facing the regime concerning its nuclear program and the negotiation file with the United States and its allies, painting a bleak picture for the future of the regime. A future that is heading towards a comprehensive uprising led by resistance units and well-organized opposition, which will ultimately lead to the downfall of the regime and the victory of the Iranian people.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.