Contempt? Or fear?

Some have suggested that the Iranian leadership have shown contempt for the truth.

I would submit that they have shown contempt for their people and contempt for many of the principles of good leadership and responsibility found in the Koran.

But I would say they regard the truth with fear.

Why does anyone fear the truth? Why do tyrants and criminals work so hard to keep people ignorant and weak?

Because they are afraid of the consequences of the discovery of their own sins and crimes.