In Western Australia, far from the turmoil that now ensues throughout the Middle East and of his homeland, Iran, Hashem Piltan, has for the past two decades, been meticulously and carefully plotting a peaceful revolution.
A rebellion to take back Iran from the control of a theocratic regime to democracy.
For far too long, Iran has been under the grip of theocratic rule.
Its rich and vibrant history is checkered with periods of turmoil and chaos, spanning decades.
Over the past century, the Iranian people have tirelessly fought for democracy—a goal briefly realised in the 1950s under Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, before a coup orchestrated by the US and the UK reinstated the Shah, marking the beginning of decades of oppression.
In the years since, Iran has faced isolation from the West due to its anti-Western stance, its oppressive theocratic governance, and contentious policies, rendering it a pariah state.
For the past 45-years, Iranians have endured a theocracy that has stripped away their freedoms, autonomy, justice, and dignity.
The existence of an “Islamic Republic,” governed by a religious “Supreme Leader” who oversees all facets of life in Iran, for Hashem Pilton is untenable.
As someone who once called Iran home, Piltan is committed to liberating the Iranian people from the shackles of theocracy and helping them achieve the democracy they have long sought.
The former Iranian, who now calls Australia home, has been envisioning a radically different Iran - one where the youth will be the determiners of change - actively participating and driving to reshape Iran through a restructured constitution.
Piltan’s ambitious plan, aims to dismantle the existing regime and set the foundation for an inclusive, progressive governance system.
Hashem Piltan's journey began amid the complexities of Iranian politics, where dissent is often met with severe repercussions.
Having moved to Australia 10 years ago, Piltan finds himself in a unique position to advocate for change without the immediate threats that silence so many in Iran – living in Australia affords him a voice without fear of repercussion.
Piltan’s strategy involves a comprehensive rewrite of the Iranian constitution, introducing mechanisms for greater civic engagement and accountability, particularly among the nation's youth.
Central to his vision is the involvement of Iran's brightest young minds in the legislative process. "Top students from each school should have direct access to review and influence legislation," Piltan says. This approach not only aims to educate the future leaders on governance but instil a sense of responsibility and ownership over the country's direction.
Critical of the current bureaucratic rigidity that stifles innovation and adaptation within Iranian ministries, Piltan’s extensive experience reviewing global corporate and governmental structures has led him to conclude that Iran's governmental bodies lack essential change management processes.
He proposes integrated layers between ministries to facilitate smoother interactions and decision-making processes, which he believes are crucial for dynamic governance.
Despite Piltan’s apparent idealism, he’s pragmatic about the challenges ahead. He acknowledges the potential backlash from the existing regime and the difficulty of altering entrenched systems.
However, he believes the regime's ongoing disconnection from the people and international isolation provides a unique opportunity for reform.
Piltan said, "The regime is inadvertently announcing its vulnerability by suppressing dissent and isolating itself globally," pointing to the 45-year history of the current government's tactics of intimidation and isolation.
He sees these actions as signs of a regime ready to be challenged effectively.
Piltan is proposing a non-violent overthrow through strategic communication and grassroots mobilisation. He has laid out a detailed strategy that includes 'touch base' initiatives, designed to engage the population in a dialogue about the future and gradually introduce them to the idea of reform.
His plans for a peaceful revolution are meticulously detailed, with contingencies to keep the movement alive even if he faces personal threats.
"The key is to initiate change subtly and strengthen the public's resolve to see it through. If I am to be silenced, the blueprint will persist through various platforms I have established," he asserts confidently.
The interview also touched on delicate issues like Iran's foreign policy, particularly its involvement with Palestinian groups.
Piltan was cautious, emphasising that while foreign policy is significant, his primary focus remains on internal reform. "It's essential that any foreign engagement should reflect the collective will of the Iranian people, not just the dictates of a rigid leadership," he said.
Looking forward, Piltan is realistic yet optimistic about his return to Iran and the potential reception he may receive. He believes his systematic approach to educating and mobilising the Iranian people will eventually lead to a critical mass that can enact change. "It's not about if, but when," Piltan says, reflecting a steadfast commitment to his cause.
The former Iranian national's revolutionary ideas are a blend of bold vision and meticulous planning. Piltan now stands as a beacon of hope for many Iranians who seek a peaceful path to reform.
But will the world take Piltan seriously?
While the world watches, the effectiveness of his grassroots strategy against a regime known for its resilience remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Piltan's movement for change has already begun shaping conversations about Iran's future, both at home and abroad.
Technology and education form the backbone of Piltan's strategy for constitutional reform - emphasising the importance of an informed citizenry capable of making educated decisions about their governance.
Piltan proposes the development of an educational application that would be accessible to top students from each school across Iran, allowing them to interact directly with legislative processes.
"This platform will enable the youth to approve, decline, or query laws passed by Parliament, ensuring that their voices are not merely heard but are influential," Piltan says.
While Piltan's movement is grassroots and primarily directed at Iranians, he acknowledges the importance of international awareness and support.
"Global perceptions of Iran's political landscape are pivotal. International solidarity can exert pressure on the regime while providing moral support to reformers," he explains.
Piltan has been actively engaging with diaspora communities and human rights organisations to build a network of support that transcends borders, aiming to spotlight Iran's issues on the global stage and garner widespread backing for his constitutional revolution.
Despite the optimism, the path to reform is fraught with risks, especially concerning personal and collective security. "The regime has a notorious history of monitoring dissidents and quashing dissent through digital surveillance and intimidation," Piltan says.
To overcome that, Piltan is developing countermeasures, including decentralised networks and encryption methods, to protect the identities and activities of those involved in the movement.
These technological safeguards are designed to prevent the regime from easily disrupting or co-opting the reform process.
Piltan’s next steps are to initiate a series of webinars and virtual meetings to discuss his proposed changes with a broader audience. The digital forums will serve as platforms for debate, education, and refinement of the constitutional amendments he proposes.
Meanwhile, his team is working on translations and educational materials to ensure that his ideas reach every corner of Iran, accommodating the country's diverse linguistic landscape. "Change will come through understanding and consensus. We are preparing the ground for a peaceful revolution," says Piltan, with his voice steady with determination and hope.
With these additional measures and strategic approaches, Piltan not only envisions a new Iran but actively lays the groundwork for its realisation.
His comprehensive plan, which balances bold reforms with meticulous attention to security and education, proposes a unique path forward that could potentially transform Iran from the ground up. As the international community watches, many hope that Piltan's vision will inspire a new chapter in Iranian history—one marked by peace, progress, and the active participation of its youth.
In the coming months, Piltan plans to travel to Iran to convene with a network of individuals dedicated to enacting a new constitution he’s have drafted, which aims to dismantle theocratic rule.
Piltan says his initiative isn’t a flight of fancy but a determined effort to catalyse the transformation that Iran and its people deeply desire.
Considering the current global geopolitical landscape and Iran's influential role in the Middle East “it’s imperative we champion leadership that paves the way for peace,” he says.
According to Piltan, change in Iran necessitates vision and sacrifice. “Without these, the Iranian people will remain under a regime they reject, and the prospect of change will be elusive.”
I have devoted my life to devising strategies for fostering meaningful change in Iran. The year 2024 will be a pivotal moment for Iranians.
Piltan says his plan signifies the dawn of a new chapter for Iranians, one that heralds the birth of a movement dedicated to restoring the nation to its people.
“In the days ahead, I will unveil the new constitution intended to guide Iran's governance.”
Should Piltan succeed with his plan, and following the successful transition of government, Iran will reclaim its historic name of Persia, symbolising a return to its roots and a step forward into a new era.
Golly another Juan Guaido. I'm pretty certain Hashem could find some western sponsored NGO to help his cause. What Iran needs now is to be left alone without more outside government interference.
From Israel to the western world have been plotting and creating harmful events against Iran because the shah of Iran who was put in by western world has done nothing but harm and sanction on Iran should stop and sanction Israel for its real crimes against humanity as the western media keeps lying to make Iran something which it’s not but Israel is the one that is evil beyond scrutiny is blessed by the western world