I wasn’t even born yet when the 1979 Islamic Revolution upended my family’s life, forcing us into exile. Like many Iranians, I feel a deep sense of loss for my homeland, which was taken from me before I even entered the world. This connection isn’t just about roots; it’s personal. My father, General Gholam Ali Obeisi, once the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Army, loved his country deeply and perished protecting it from the oppressive regime of Khomeini. He was assassinated in Paris in 1984, solely for his loyalty to the Shah and his refusal to yield to the new authority.
For years, families like mine have lived with the pain of displacement, watching a once-promising nation spiral into chaos and mismanagement. However, things seem to be shifting now. After 47 years of corruption and repression, a brave new generation of Iranians is finally saying enough is enough.
The economic crisis is evident, but this unrest goes beyond financial turmoil. The Iranian rial has plunged to record lows, and inflation has soared to over 40%. Basic necessities have become wildly expensive—food prices, for instance, have skyrocketed by more than 70% in just a year—while more than a third of the people live below the poverty line. Meanwhile, the government diverts vast sums to support terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, all while the citizens grapple with a shrinking economy and deteriorating services.
The protests in Iran aren’t merely about hunger; they’re fundamentally about identity. Young Iranians are awakening to what the Pahlavi era truly represented—a time of regional strength and stability.
Interestingly, they aren’t chanting religious slogans. Instead, they’re calling for values associated with the West: freedom, prosperity, and an end to oppression. There’s a rediscovery of pride in Persian heritage, which dates back to around 550 BC. When asked about their origins, many now respond proudly, “I am Persian,” pushing back against the identity the Islamic Republic tries to impose.
A central figure in this movement is Reza Pahlavi, who has emerged as a voice for those feeling disenfranchised. He’s not the kind of leader that foreign powers might want to promote. Instead, he is the name being shouted in the streets. People remember a past when women were respected, different faiths coexisted peacefully, and leaders prioritized future generations.
Pahlavi’s proposal for a constitutional monarchy, similar to Britain’s, aims to preserve national identity while fostering democratic governance.
Interestingly, many Iranians view the United States as a symbol of hope. Contrary to what the regime claims, a significant number of people in Iran admire and support America, showing particular appreciation for former President Donald Trump’s assertive leadership, which has inspired a roadmap for resisting oppression.
His approach in Venezuela, pressuring the Maduro regime, has empowered Iranian protesters. Trump’s commitment to holding oppressive leaders accountable offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that the U.S. won’t stand by while the Iranian regime harms its own citizens.
The role of Western nations in this struggle is essential. Media coverage, including outlets like Fox News, is vital for bringing attention to this revolution. Additionally, technology is playing a key role; initiatives like Elon Musk’s Starlink have become crucial for bypassing censorship. The revival of original symbols, like the sun and lion flag, promoted on social media, sends a powerful signal that the spirit of a rich cultural legacy is returning.
I’m deeply thankful to the United States for granting my family asylum and allowing us to become citizens in such a great nation. However, as an Iranian American, I believe that a liberated Iran could evolve into a vital ally for the U.S. and contribute to stability in the Middle East. Iran once had a close partnership with Israel; that could be possible again.
The upcoming days are critical. It’s possible the regime will respond with violence, as it did in the past, taking more lives. The U.S. must clearly express that such brutality will not be accepted and that accountability for human rights abuses is necessary. The Iranian populace is ready to reclaim their future. The pressing question remains: will the free world support their struggle?
