Armenian expert says Iran's endurance would amount to victory

Iran specialist Vardan Voskanyan claims that if Iran manages to withstand sustained pressure in the current geopolitical confrontation, the mere survival of its political system would already constitute a victory.

In an interview on Sunday, Voskanyan, a member of the Homeland Party, said the resilience demonstrated by Iran’s state institutions reflects deep historical and civilizational roots.

“For ten days now, the Iranian system has clearly demonstrated its viability,” he said, adding that the country’s endurance is closely tied to longstanding traditions of statehood.

Voskanyan contrasted Iran’s situation with that of several other Middle Eastern states where leadership changes led to prolonged instability. He pointed to the collapse of Libya following the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, the turmoil in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein, and Syria’s crisis after Bashar al-Assad left the country.

“In Iran’s case, that scenario has not worked,” he said.

According to Voskanyan, Tehran defines victory as defeating Israel if confronted it alone. However, he noted that Israel does not face Iran in isolation because it benefits from consistent support from the United States.

“In that context, simply enduring – preserving the functioning of the state and its governing system – is already a victory for Iran,” he said.

Voskanyan added that Iran’s internal cohesion remains a key factor in its stability despite the country’s structural vulnerabilities.

“Iran can be fragmented relatively easily,” he said, arguing that several factors help maintain unity. These include Shia Islam, a shared historical memory and a common civilizational identity.

He also pointed to the country’s “strategic depth”, which he said extends beyond military considerations.

“Iran’s geography, civilization and cultural foundations provide strategic depth not only militarily but also culturally and historically,” he said.

The analyst also highlighted the role of the Persian language and the rich literary tradition built around it as key pillars of Iran’s enduring identity.

Voskanyan also argued that religion in the Iranian context cannot be separated from politics.

“Islam cannot be apolitical. Islam itself is inherently political,” he said.

He added that the resilience and dignified posture of the Iranian people can even command a degree of respect from their adversaries.

“An enemy will remain an enemy, but dignity, determination and courage are qualities that are always recognized," Voskanyan said.