Islamism–Marxism Hybrid at Heart of Iran’s Unrest, Says Expat

SYDNEY—An overseas community leader has warned that the unrest sweeping Iran is the result of decades of ideological extremism, describing the ruling system as a fusion of Islamism and Marxism now being openly challenged on the streets.

Maani Taghizadeh, head of Iranian Australian Patriots Association, led a protest outside the U.S. Consulate in Sydney on Jan. 13, calling for the Trump administration to assist amid the bloody crackdown by the Ali Khamenei regime.

Millions continue to march with thousands feared dead—some sources estimate that figure to be around 12,000.

“We are very, very worried and anxious,” Taghizadeh told The Epoch Times, who called for support from governments around the world.

“It’s not just a normal protest, it’s all over the country, more than 100 cities,” he said. “That’s why the regime disconnected them from the outside.”

Iranian authorities have disconnected the internet from the outside world, meaning many with the means have to login through the Elon Musk-owned Starlink to contact loved ones.

However, reports have emerged of Iranian officials going door-to-door confiscating the few devices that exist.

The uprising began in late December as widespread government opposition boiled over amid a collapsing economy and steep inflation.

Protests started with shopkeepers and market operators, but were joined by students and broader segments of society calling for political change—many have vowed not to stop marching until the Islamic regime which took power in 1979 is no more.

Meanwhile, the arrest and imminent executions of civilians including 26-year-old Erfan Soltani has created a focal point for resistance.

Iran has a population estimated to be up to 93 million people.

The Danger of Ideological Fusion

The design engineer also warned that when extreme ideologies like Islamism and Marxism merge, the population pays the price.

While Iran authorities formally rejects Marxism, it shares several ideological similarities, including a strong opposition to capitalism.

Following its establishment in 1979, the regime adopted a number of policies with Marxist or communist elements, such as land reform (public land redistribution), and the nationalisation of key infrastructure and economic sectors.

Mahmoud Taleghani, a leading intellectual influence on the Iranian Islamic Revolution and an ally of former Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini, argued that collective ownership of natural resources was consistent with Quranic teachings.

“Mixed together they will make hell for anyone in the world,” Taghizadeh said.

Taghizadeh pointed to the 90,000 pro-Palestinian protests in August last year on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge—attended by prominent figures like Julian Assange, former MP Bob Carr and Labor MP Ed Husic—where a giant portrait of the Supreme Leader Khamenei was carried by some demonstrators.

“A hundred thousand people on the Harbour Bridge, an iconic symbol of Australia, in front of the Ayatollah [Khamenei], a massive poster of the guy now killing Iranian for their protest, a dictator-how come?” Taghizadeh said.

“Australian people have to wake up. Don’t repeat the Iranian experience.”

Fears of Torture, Fears of Far-Left Alignment: Expat

Australian-Iranian Aida Kashefi says for 47 years Iranians have been forced into silence or made to face horrid consequences.

“Whenever you say something out loud in an Islamic regime, you are basically silenced,” she told The Epoch Times.

“You are killed, you are tortured, and in so many cases, raped and killed, and they’re trying to silence you in any way that they can.”

Kashefi says her people cannot defend against the Iranian regime on their own because it has brought in reinforcements from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an Iranian-backed para-military group based out of Iraq.

The United Arab Emirates has designated some PMF factions as terrorist organisations.

“We just need support, and we just need help from other people,” Kashefi said.

“Normally, when they silence the people like this, when they cut off internet, they start massacring people and no one, no one can help them.”

For Kashefi, this silence can be deafening.

“Pro-Palestinians and leftists actually are aligned with the Islamic Republic ideologies and the Islamic Republic is the one who’s actually funding Hamas, as I said already, it’s a tie between the lefties and the Islamic—I’m not saying all of them, but I’m saying most of them,” she said.

‘Mr Trump, Please Hear the Voice’: Expat

Faranak Nae joined the Sydney gathering to seek help from the U.S. government.

Like many other Iranian Australians, her family and social circle are back in Iran and with communications being cut for close to a week, the sense of not knowing hits hard.

“Mr. Trump please hear the voice of Iranian people right now,” she told The Epoch Times.

“Please do something before more people are killed.”

Iranian Regime Will Pay A Big Price, Says Trump

President Trump says he has cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials and has assured  civilians that help is on the way.

“Iranian patriots, keep protesting, take over your institutions, save the names of the killers and abusers,” the president wrote on social media.

“They will pay a big price. Help is on its way.”

Trump ended his post with the letters MIGA, a play on MAGA, meaning, “Make Iran Great Again.”

Trump has also announced plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on nations doing business with Iran.

Wong Issues Statement

On Jan. 10, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a joint statement with Canada and the European Union in support of Iranian civilians.

“We commend the bravery of the Iranian people as they stand up for their dignity and their fundamental right to peaceful protest,” the statement read.

“We strongly condemn the killing of protestors, the use of violence, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation tactics by the Iranian regime against its own people.”

Pleas for Australia to Cut All Diplomatic Communication

Taghizadeh wants the Australian government to cut all diplomatic ties with the current Islamic regime.

In August 2025, Australia removed the Iranian ambassador and suspended Australian operations in Tehran following the revelation that Iran had ordered anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish targets in Australian cities.

“Australia expelled the ambassador but diplomatic channels are still open,” Taghizadeh said.

“This regime is not a representation of Iranian people.

“Australia needs to close the embassy and expel all diplomats out of Australia, not to be silent and pretend nothing is happening.”