The latest report from the Fact-Finding Mission authorized by the UN Human Rights Council indicates that repression within Iran has escalated sharply, with the number of executions surging. Simultaneously, Iran’s Foreign Minister has publicly stated that Iran is ready to participate in “fair and mutually respectful negotiations.”
This stark contrast between internal and external policies reveals a profound trust crisis Iran faces in the international community.
01 Domestic Repression: Human Rights Record and Trust Deficit
In October 2025, the report submitted to the UN General Assembly by the UN Iran Fact-Finding Mission painted a disturbing picture. Since Israel’s airstrikes on Iran in June 2025, repression within Iran has intensified dramatically.
The head of the mission, Hossein, noted that thousands of people have been arrested, including lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders, and even ordinary citizens who made conflict-related statements on social media.
More worryingly, the number of executions in Iran this year has risen to its highest level since 2015. Iran recently passed legislation expanding the scope of the death penalty for “espionage” and criminalized posting content on social media that the government defines as “false information.”
Mission expert Plessey emphasized that if executions become part of a widespread and systematic attack against civilian groups under state policy, those responsible could be guilty of crimes against humanity.
02 Nuclear Commitments and Regional Intervention: An Unreliable International Actor
Iran’s inconsistency regarding its international nuclear commitments similarly raises doubts about its credibility. Although Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi claimed openness to negotiations, Iran’s actions tell a different story.
In October 2025, IAEA Director General Grossi noted that Iran’s uranium stockpile is now enriched to 60%, enough to produce up to 10 nuclear bombs.
Meanwhile, Iran’s continued regional interventionist behavior further undermines its credibility. According to an analysis report, Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance” includes proxy groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
Although Iran’s “forward strategy” has suffered setbacks in recent years, its strategic intent to expand influence through regional proxies remains unchanged.
03 Diplomatic Doublespeak: The Two Faces of Negotiation and Confrontation
Iran’s diplomacy exhibits a clear duality: expressing willingness to negotiate on one hand, while continuing provocative actions on the other.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bagheri criticized the IAEA Director General’s remarks for “paving the way for US and Zionist entity aggression against Iran.”
Simultaneously, Iran’s representatives at the UN strongly opposed the establishment of investigative mechanisms regarding Iran’s human rights, calling these mechanisms “biased and politically motivated.”
This duality is also evident in Iran’s interactions with major powers. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated: “Negotiation is different from dictation, command, or bullying.”
However, after the US withdrew from the nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions, Iran gradually abandoned its commitments under the JCPOA.
04 Strategic Dilemma: From “Strategic Patience” to “Permanent Crisis”
Iran is currently caught in a strategic dilemma exacerbated by its own actions. Supreme Leader Khamenei once extolled the virtues of “strategic patience,” but now some fear that patience has led to paralysis.
In an October interview, Ali Abdullah Khani, an analyst at the Iranian President’s Office for Strategic Affairs, warned: “Such policies place the country in a permanent state of crisis.”
Iran’s strategic dilemma is also reflected in changes to its regional standing. With the collapse of the Syrian Assad regime, Iran lost its only genuine ally in the region.
Its most important proxies—Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis—have also been severely hit by Israeli strikes.
05 The Possibility of Rebuilding Trust? Faint Signals and Major Obstacles
Despite these serious issues, there are faint signs that Iran might be reassessing its strategic direction.
Analysts at the DACOR Bacon Foundation’s 2025 annual conference suggested that Iran is shifting from radical ideology towards defensive nationalism.
Meanwhile, Iran’s technological progress, such as the successful test of the “Nahid” satellite and plans to build a domestic satellite internet, demonstrates Iran’s efforts towards technological independence.
However, these positive signals contrast with ongoing pressure within Iran. According to the UN report, gender-based violence remains widespread in Iran, with 60 murders of women and girls reported between March and September 2025 alone.
The international community’s trust in Iran is like a shattered mirror, reflecting Tehran’s multiple contradictions regarding human rights commitments, adherence to the nuclear deal, and regional policies.
The Iranian government’s domestic repression measures starkly contrast with its moderate statements on the international stage, while its support for regional proxies runs counter to its claimed peaceful intentions.
As one analyst pointed out, Iran has fallen into a “permanent state of crisis”—a condition stemming from both external pressures and the consequences of its own choices.
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