Iran’s next opposition will come from inside its shrinking regime
There is, in Iran’s political discourse, a pair of concepts known as “Khodi” (insiders) and “Ghair-Khodi” (outsiders). The distinction has never been a mere matter of words. Since the founding of the Islamic Republic, it has been a key instrument for defining the regime’s identity, protecting its boundaries and regulating the political arena from within. The Iranian regime has grounded its…
In Iran's political lexicon, the terms "Khodi" and "Ghair-Khodi" hold significant weight. Khodi refers to those who accept the revolution's boundaries and limitations as set by the leadership, while Ghair-Khodi denotes individuals who stray into areas deemed off-limits. Post the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei and the subsequent power shift, the concept of Khodi/Ghair-Khodi has undergone a transformation.
The hierarchy has shifted from individual replacement to the replacement of a function. Mojtaba Khamenei's selection as the new Supreme Leader signifies a move towards a security-centric governance, where the IRGC plays a pivotal role in defining the parameters of leadership. The concept of Khodi has evolved into a narrower definition, where one not only must be loyal to the regime but also align with the security priorities of the IRGC.
Meanwhile, those who oppose this emerging security-oriented regime – the Ghair-Khodi – do not necessarily have to be external opponents or radical reformists. They could be figures within the system who believe in a settlement, diplomacy, or economic stability over military confrontation. President Masoud Pezeshkian, despite his status within the system, embodies this new Ghair-Khodi as he navigates the delicate balance between civilian politics and the IRGC's growing influence.
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