Exclusive Interview by Amr Gohar for YourNews
As tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East, concerns are growing over the future stability of the Gulf region amid increasing threats linked to Iran’s regional influence, attacks on strategic waterways, and ongoing geopolitical rivalries. At the same time, political observers have closely followed the evolving relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of Washington’s strongest allies in the Arab world.
Although Riyadh and Abu Dhabi continue to cooperate on many strategic issues, analysts have increasingly pointed to growing disagreements over regional influence, economic competition, and military approaches in conflicts such as Yemen. Despite these differences, many American officials continue to stress that the Gulf nations face far greater common threats that require stronger unity and coordination.
During a major Iranian opposition rally in Washington, D.C., former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy spoke with YourNews journalist Amr Gohar about the Iranian regime, growing international pressure against Tehran, and the importance of Gulf unity in confronting regional instability.
Kennedy, whose late father Senator Ted Kennedy was known internationally for his human rights advocacy, said he has supported the Iranian people for decades and believes the current moment represents one of the most critical periods in the struggle against the Iranian regime.
The former congressman argued that Iran’s government remains one of the world’s leading state sponsors of terrorism and warned that the regime’s actions continue to threaten not only the Middle East, but global stability as well. He also emphasized that while differences may exist between regional allies such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the larger threat posed by Iran should push countries toward greater cooperation rather than division.
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend,” Kennedy said during the interview, stressing that Gulf nations and Western allies must remain united against what he described as an existential threat.
Interview
Amr Gohar: What is the reason for you to be here today at the Iranian opposition rally?
Patrick Kennedy:
Well, when I was in Congress, I used to write letters on behalf of Amnesty International. Unfortunately, there were too many letters trying to stand up for people who were being murdered and tortured in Iranian prisons. Sadly, that has not changed in the nearly two decades since I left Congress.
The torture continues, the oppression continues, and not only are the people of Iran fighting against a government that kills more of its own people than almost any other government in the world, but this regime is also the largest state sponsor of terrorism globally.
So it’s not only important for the Iranian people to stand up — which they have been doing courageously — but it is also important for free countries around the world to support them. This issue is existential for all free nations because we are facing a regime that has targeted so many people around the world, including Americans, over many decades.
We need to make sure this regime is replaced — not by another dictatorship or monarchy. We already experienced the Shah, and that did not solve the problem. What Iran needs is real democracy, and that is exactly what we are rallying for today.
Amr Gohar: This is very important. How easy do you think it is to take down this regime? For many people, it feels almost impossible.
Patrick Kennedy:
Well, my late father, Senator Kennedy, was a strong supporter of Nelson Mandela. At one point, who would have believed that the apartheid government in South Africa would ever collapse? Yet one day Nelson Mandela walked out of prison and eventually became president of South Africa.
History can change very quickly when international pressure, internal resistance, and global support all come together. Right now, we are witnessing that combination building against the Iranian regime.
This is the moment where the international community must stand with the people of Iran and help them take back their country from this brutal regime.
Amr Gohar: Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz has created major anger internationally. Europeans are concerned, Americans are concerned, and countries across the Gulf region are worried because regional economies are being heavily affected, especially after attacks connected to the Fujairah port area. How do you see this situation?
Patrick Kennedy:
The word that comes to mind is “untenable.” This is simply not a sustainable situation. The pressure on the Iranian regime is increasing dramatically from every direction.
The international community is now building stronger and stronger pressure against Tehran, and we need to remain united globally while also supporting the Iranian people internally.
What we are seeing now is a growing realization around the world that the current behavior of the regime threatens international trade, regional stability, energy markets, and global security itself.
Amr Gohar: The United States has very strong allies in the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But recently, relations between the two countries have not appeared as strong as before, especially regarding Yemen and regional influence. How can the United States continue relying on these allies moving forward?
Patrick Kennedy:
Well, I think we are clearly in a situation where “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Right now, what unifies all of those countries — and many countries around the world — is the understanding that the Iranian regime represents an existential threat to all of us above almost anything else.
This regime continues to threaten not only the Middle East but the entire world. That reality should push countries toward cooperation instead of division.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the United States, and many international partners ultimately share the same goal of regional stability and security. While disagreements may exist, the larger threat requires unity and coordination.
We need to stand together to support the Iranian people in taking back their country and bringing stability back to the region.
Amr Gohar: Thank you so much. It was a pleasure meeting you, sir.
Patrick Kennedy:
Likewise. Thank you.
Conclusion
Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the future of Middle East stability depends heavily on international cooperation and support for the Iranian people’s democratic aspirations.
While acknowledging political disagreements between regional allies such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Kennedy stressed that the broader threat posed by Iran should encourage stronger unity between Gulf nations and their Western allies.
Throughout the interview, Kennedy repeatedly emphasized that pressure on Tehran is increasing both internally and internationally, describing the current moment as a critical turning point for the Iranian opposition movement.
He also warned that instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, regional conflicts, and Iran’s continued regional activities represent threats not only to the Middle East but to the global economy and international security.
For Kennedy, the message remains clear: despite disagreements among allies, confronting larger regional threats requires cooperation, strategic unity, and continued support for democratic movements inside Iran.
Original article
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