TEHRAN - So, a shopping centre in Iran went up in flames. Eight confirmed casualties. Probably more if we're being honest. Now, I'm not saying it's a good thing when people die, but let's be real: this is Iran.

Remember the Plasco Building in 2017? Twenty dead, including firefighters. Apparently, Iranian fire safety is on par with a damp firecracker. But hey, at least it's consistent.

The media will tell you this is a tragedy. And sure, for the families of the deceased, it probably is. But let's not pretend Iran is some bastion of freedom and democracy. They're the guys funding terrorism and screaming 'Death to America' every Friday. So, forgive me if I don't shed a tear over a burned-down shopping mall.

I'm sure the usual suspects will blame 'systemic inequality' or 'climate change' or whatever woke nonsense they're peddling this week. Nah. This is probably just shoddy construction and zero safety standards. Iran doesn't exactly have a reputation for meticulous engineering.

Let's be honest, Iran's government probably sees this as an opportunity. Fewer mouths to feed, fewer dissidents to worry about. Call me cynical, but I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking.

The authorities are 'investigating.' Right. Like they're going to find anything other than 'Oops, we used highly flammable drywall again!' Don't hold your breath for justice, folks.

The Left will claim this means more global climate accords or something, I guess. Just ignore it.

The real question is, how long before this happens again? My guess is, within the next year. Because Iran.

In conclusion: Shopping centre kaboom. People dead. Iran being Iran. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I'm going to go grill a steak and enjoy my freedom.

And yes, I realize this is insensitive. I'm not sorry.

Sources:

* Iran Ministry of Interior (for the official casualty count, which is probably a lie) * Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) - for context on Iranian government activities * Global Fire Statistics report (generic fire safety data, Iran likely skews negative) * World Bank (for data on Iran's construction sector and GDP)