European Leaders Fail Moral Test as Iran’s Government Targets Protesters with Violence

Former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz has condemned European leaders for failing a basic moral test by remaining silent as Iran’s government violently suppresses its own citizens amid economic collapse. Speaking on a recent broadcast, Fleitz stressed that European political figures must publicly condemn the crackdown, which has left protesters risking their lives in the streets.

“We haven’t heard anything from European leaders,” Fleitz stated. “Every leader from every free state should be saying they’re standing with the Iranian people.”

Fleitz emphasized that Iran’s government is actively shooting demonstrators and aggressively blocking news of unrest within the country. He noted that Tehran’s rulers, facing economic collapse, are increasingly resorting to force against their population while simultaneously controlling information flow. “They don’t support this government that’s shooting at their own people,” Fleitz said. “But if we’re talking about how to help the Iranian people now, we need to step up.”

The former national security official called for an immediate expansion of international broadcasting efforts into Iran, specifically urging stronger messaging from Voice of America Persian, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Persian service, and BBC Persian. “These outlets have to do a better job of getting the message into Iran on what’s really going on,” Fleitz said. He warned that despite Iran’s internet censorship and jamming tactics, effective communication channels still exist through online platforms and shortwave radio.

Fleitz criticized recent cuts to VOA Persian programming, stating these reductions have weakened U.S. efforts to counter Iranian state propaganda at a critical moment. “The problem is that we’ve cut back VOA Persian,” he added. “That has to be reversed.” He advocated for a 24/7 broadcast presence directly targeting Iranian audiences: “There should be a 24/7 VOA Persian broadcast immediately into Iran, sending the message.”

Fleitz also highlighted Tehran’s understanding of information control’s strategic value. “They’re guarding that information because they know if that gets around, the protests will snowball,” he said.

Meanwhile, Iran has faced nearly a week of protests triggered by economic crisis after the rial plummeted to new lows. At least seven people have died in violence linked to the unrest, according to The Associated Press.