https://arab.news/bgfx9
A new Iran means an Iran different from the one we have known for four decades. Perhaps a modern civilian-led system could emerge. Or it could be the current system but with different policies, moving toward openness, including toward the West, ending its status as a “state of war” and engaging in political and economic competition and new regional alliances.
Is this a cause for concern? If so, why?
Some of those who believe this theory argue that the old, besieged Iran is safer for its neighbors than an open Iran.
Their view holds that Iran is a major regional state and a dormant economic giant that has been stifled by ideologically driven clerics. Therefore, openness would change the equation and make competition difficult for countries such as the Gulf states, as well as Iraq and Egypt. The situation would become even more challenging and complex if Iran reconciled with Israel and normalized relations with it. The region would then have two dominant powers.
