Podcast Summary:

Más de uno – OndaCero
Episode: Nilufar Saberi, activista iraní: "Me avergüenza que el régimen de España apoye a los islamistas gobernantes en Irán"
Date: March 2, 2026
Host: Carlos Alsina
Guest: Nilufar Saberi (activista y exiliada iraní en España)

Overview

In this episode, host Carlos Alsina discusses the rapidly evolving situation in Iran, including the recent elimination of key regime figures following military attacks, and the resulting repercussions for the Iranian people. Alsina is joined by Nilufar Saberi, an Iranian human rights activist exiled in Spain, to analyze the international response, the internal dynamics of opposition in Iran, and the responsibility of Western governments, with a particular focus on Spain’s position.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Recent Events in Iran

• Alsina describes the current armed conflict involving Iran, neighboring countries, Israel and the US. He highlights China's call for a halt in hostilities and the international legal implications of US military actions.
  • “China dice que insta a detener inmediatamente las operaciones militares de Estados Unidos y de Israel… que violan el derecho internacional” [00:55]
• Iranian Revolutionary Guard warns civilians against protesting, recalling the massive repression and heavy casualties (up to 30,000 dead as of January estimates).

2. Emotional and Political Response (Nilufar Saberi)

• Saberi conveys mixed feelings: joy at the regime’s weakening, but worry for civilian lives amidst ongoing conflict.
  • “El que vayan eliminando a nuestros verdugos... es motivo de júbilo para el pueblo iraní, a la vez que existe la preocupación de que en una guerra no se debaten precisamente dulces…” [02:38]
• She insists on distinguishing the Iranian people from the regime and urges media to refer to the real Iranian actors.
  • “Irán. Somos el pueblo iraní. El gobierno que tenemos ocupando el poder en Irán es nuestra mayor y más sanguinaria enemiga.” [03:03]

3. Opportunity for Change – Internal Iranian Dynamics

• Alsina brings up President Trump’s claim that, after the assassination of Khamenei, a unique opportunity arises for Iranians to overthrow the regime.
• Saberi emphasizes the diversity within Iranian society and the widespread opposition to the theocratic regime:
  • “La inmensa mayoría del pueblo iraní es opositor de la teocracia islamista... queremos una democracia igualitaria, secular y basada en derechos humanos.” [05:04]
• She outlines the historical pattern of protest and brutal repression.
  • “Siempre nos han abierto fuego... nos han literalmente aplastado los sesos bajo sus ruedas.” [05:55]
• Saberi is skeptical of Trump, but sees hope that the regime’s weakening may finally allow for successful popular uprising.

4. Critique of European and Spanish Positions

• Alsina notes a lack of open European support for the regime but references discomfort at positions that appear to defend it indirectly.
• Saberi accuses European governments—Spain in particular—of hiding behind legalistic arguments to avoid supporting the Iranian people:
  • “Es vergonzoso que lo defiendan abiertamente, pero lo defienden de una manera camuflada, muy vergonzosa y que tendrán que responder ante la historia.” [07:27]
  • “Me siento avergonzada que en su día el régimen de España apoyase al régimen nazi y ahora en el siglo XXI el régimen de España apoya a los islamistas gobernantes en Irán.” [09:55]

5. International Responsibility and the “Responsibility to Protect”

• Saberi calls out the failure to act according to the 2005 UN “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine:
  • “Haber cumplido el acuerdo de la ONU de 2005… cuando un gobierno masacra a su propio pueblo, acudir en rescate de ese pueblo desarmado, indefenso y pacífico.” [08:50]
• She draws a parallel between inaction in Iran and the appeasement of Nazi Germany:
  • “¿Os imagináis que hubiera sido del mundo si los aliados no hubieran derrocado Alemania nazi?” [09:06]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Saberi (on her emotional state):
  “Es motivo de júbilo para el pueblo iraní, a la vez que existe la preocupación de que en una guerra no se debaten precisamente dulces y que las vidas están en peligro, pero no más… de lo que está en nuestras vidas bajo el yugo de la inquisición islamista…” [02:40]

• Saberi (on media language):
  “Por favor... cuando habláis de Irán, hablad del pueblo iraní. El gobierno… es nuestro mayor y más sanguinaria enemiga.” [03:03]

• Saberi (on the uprising):
  “La Revolución Iraní 2026, en la que participamos mujeres y hombres, hombres y mujeres, hombro con hombro, es el derrocamiento de la teocracia islamista.” [06:46]

• Saberi (regarding Spain’s historical and current positions):
  “Me siento avergonzada que en su día el régimen de España apoyase al régimen nazi y ahora en el siglo XXI… apoya a los islamistas gobernantes en Irán.” [09:55]

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – 02:13: Context of current conflict in and around Iran, global reactions.
• 02:13 – 03:58: Saberi’s emotional reaction, criticism of international impunity, and appeal for correct media language.
• 03:58 – 07:14: Analysis of the opportunity to end Iran’s theocracy, Trump’s claims, Iranian diversity, and protest history.
• 07:14 – 08:45: Critique of the EU and Spanish government positions.
• 08:45 – 10:05: Saberi’s call for adherence to UN doctrine, historical parallels with WWII, and reflection on Spanish policy.

Tone & Language

The tone is earnest, urgent, and critical, particularly from Nilufar Saberi, who blends a mix of political analysis, personal emotion, and passionate advocacy for the Iranian people’s plight and their right to self-determination, alongside sharp criticisms of Western governments’ complicity and inaction.