INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
(particularly the United States and the U.K.) to dismantle Libya's nuclear, chemical, and missile programs
However, this process not only failed to lead to stability but, with the onset of the so-called "Arab Spring" in 2011, NATO intervened under
the pretext of supporting the people and toppled Gaddafi's government
In this note, I will explain why comparing Iran to Libya is not only incorrect but fundamentally lacks strategic value.Iran vs
Libya: Structural and strategic distinctionsThe Islamic Republic of Iran is based on a system of multiple, resilient institutions that,
under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, maintain an unparalleled cohesion in managing external threats
These institutions, through coordination and synergy, are responsive to both internal and external challenges
In contrast, the governance structure in Libya was entirely personal and tribal
Muammar Gaddafi held central control over the country for four decades, with his governance primarily based on individual will and tribal
This structurally vulnerable system led to the collapse of Libya after Gaddafi's overthrow, as the country fragmented into a security and
political disaster, divided among various tribal and armed groups
The absence of independent, coordinated state institutions in Libya led to instability and division.This structural and strategic
distinction between Iran and Libya not only underscores the strength of the Iranian government in facing external threats but also
emphasizes the necessity of maintaining the independence of institutions and societal management during difficult political conditions
Iran, with its extensive historical and field experiences in maintaining internal cohesion and managing threats, is immune to the structural
weaknesses that plagued Libya.Furthermore, Iran has a rich history of resistance and standing firm against pressures, from the imposed war
to debilitating sanctions
program under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, its effective regional presence in West Asia, and its negotiations
from a position of strength with Western countries under the JCPOA
In contrast, Gaddafi, in an attempt to normalize relations, relinquished his tools of power and ultimately became a victim of the very
Iran is an influential actor on both a regional and global scale, playing an active role from the Axis of Resistance in West Asia to its
interactions with great powers
This strategic depth has layered and complex deterrence capabilities
Conversely, Libya, under Gaddafi, was seen as a country with rich energy resources and an important geographical position in North Africa
but had a weak regional and international presence
While Gaddafi sought to play a role in certain regional and global developments, his internal limitations and lack of strategic partnerships
prevented him from establishing sustainable influence internationally or regionally
Additionally, Western involvement in Libya, particularly through NATO military interventions, led to the loss of any deterrent capacity and
With its strategic depth and indigenous power, Iran possesses a complex and effective deterrence capability that is incomparable to Libya's
situation.Unlike Libya, which depended on externally purchased military equipment and lacked strategic defense depth, Iran has developed its
own defensive capabilities
Its defense infrastructure is based on a complex network of domestic industries, trained human resources, and advanced technology.Last but
The fall of Gaddafi after his agreement with the West is the best example to emphasize the repeated warnings by the leader of the revolution
about the unreliability of the United States and Western powers
reality that the West, particularly the United States , has consistently employed double-dealing and deceptive policies in dealing with
Iran.Gaddafi's fall after agreeing to disarm and negotiate with the United States is a clear testament to the correctness of the Islamic
Gaddafi, who agreed to dismantle his weapons and engage with the United States in 2003, ultimately failed to achieve his diplomatic
objectives and was killed after several years, pressured by NATO and Western military interventions
matters, could lead to an irreparable disaster.The leader of the Islamic Revolution has always emphasized that historical lessons from Iran
and other countries, such as Libya, should be seen as instructive in strengthening national independence and deterrent power.In conclusion,
one of the most significant distinctions between Iran and Libya is the presence of the people as a real support for the system
from its people, who have played pivotal roles in critical historical moments, including elections, rallies, and resistance against external
This social capital is the most important strategic support in facing models like the Libyan one.Here, it is necessary to refer to a key
concept in the security and strategic literature: the "Libyan Syndrome," which without understanding, any analysis of the Libyan model would
replicating Libya's fate for countries that forgo their deterrent capabilities
In Iran, this syndrome is not merely a memory but rightly serves as a strategic lesson embedded in the memory of political and security
It constantly reminds that any concession in the face of Western promises can turn into an existential cost for a country
As a result, the leader of the Islamic Revolution has continuously emphasized the importance of maintaining national sovereignty and
enhancing deterrence capacity.The Libyan Syndrome is not only prevalent in Iran but also in countries like North Korea, which view the fate
serious warning for the Islamic Republic of Iran, a warning showing that relinquishing components of national power could come at a heavy
Therefore, Iran must adopt a proactive, multi-layered, and intelligent approach to prevent such an experience
This approach should not only focus on maintaining deterrence capabilities but also on managing the war of narratives and reinforcing
internal cohesion.The first step in this path is to solidify the narrative of Western betrayal
The experience of Gaddafi's fall should be systematically documented and disseminated by media outlets, think tanks, universities, and
public diplomacy agencies
This narrative should not be confined to the internal space but must be communicated to the public globally, through tools like
documentaries, television programs, artistic productions, and academic analyses, in order to cement the deceptive nature of the Libyan model
This display of power should not be one of aggression but of effective deterrence, security, and prevention.Third, strengthening regional
ties and cohesion within the axis of resistance is an irreplaceable necessity
The more cooperation and coordination there is among the actors in the resistance axis against the Israeli regime and United States
interventions, the higher the cost of threatening Iran, thus discouraging adversaries from embarking on dangerous adventures.Fourth, there
must be active counter-narrative development against the Libyan model by intellectual elites, media professionals, and cognitive domain
This counter-narrative should expose the model as a deceptive, costly, and failed approach, and eliminate it from the minds of policymakers
and decision-makers.Finally, bolstering internal cohesion and strengthening national power is the key to overcoming external threats
By increasing social participation, deepening unity among elites, trusting the younger generation, and relying on domestic capacities, the
like the Libyan model.A historical warning for the future: Iran has moved beyond the Libyan ModelThe Libyan model is not a repeatable
example but a historical warning for the Islamic Republic of Iran
A country that, through wise leadership, robust structures, effective deterrence, a history of resistance, and a distinguished geopolitical
position, is fundamentally incomparable to Libya
strategically and to repeat a failed project to contain an independent power
internal challenges and help prevent falling into the trap of misguided foreign policy experiments
It is time for Iran to demonstrate its firm stance in the face of external pressures and solidify its position on the global stage.
