In recent weeks, I’ve found myself reflecting on my upbringing in Iran, especially amid the ongoing national protests and the alarming reports of violence perpetrated by the Iranian government.
During this time, I’ve experienced considerable anguish due to the Islamic Republic. The last couple of months have been truly challenging. Towards the end of December, people in Iran showed incredible bravery by protesting in numerous cities. This outpouring of courage inspired me and fueled my hope, but my heart aches for those who have been killed or injured. Thousands have lost their lives; many more are suffering from injuries. The scale of arrests and torture is staggering. It seems deliberate, almost calculated, as the regime unleashes horrifying brutality on its citizens.
Despite this pain, witnessing the unity among Iranians against the Ayatollahs and the regime’s enforcers has been uplifting. It’s extraordinary to see the collective hope for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the only leader whose name resonates with so many, as people pray for his return to restore the monarchy and lead Iran toward freedom.
It’s crucial to recognize that many so-called opposition figures undermining Iran are, quite frankly, deceitful—like wolves dressed as sheep. Regardless of who is considered for leadership, it’s clear that the Crown Prince is the one who can genuinely unify Iranians, freeing them from the grip of a regime marked by decades of violence.
Watching the developments in Iran has saddened me repeatedly. There was some support from Western leaders urging Iranians to be bold in their protests against the regime, but that was a while ago. During this time, many have been massacred. The hope for assistance remains, but that hope feels dim in light of the tragedy.
Among those murdered are many children, targeted intentionally. The message from the regime is unsettling: youth in Iran seem to have no future. I’ve addressed this in detail elsewhere, but it’s critical to understand that these attacks on children aren’t accidents—they’re calculated tactics. It sounds extreme, yet, during my time in Iran, I encountered people who served the oppressive regime without shame and shared their sinister intentions. The sacrifices made for the regime are seen as justifiable to them.
Women, too, often find themselves under deliberate attack. The misogyny deeply ingrained in the Islamic Republic is something I experienced firsthand. Women are viewed as lesser beings, and this is echoed in many ways throughout the society—including within prisons. Historically and presently, they’ve been mistreated as if they’re mere possessions, subjected to horrific acts that violate their dignity. Today, we still witness women being targeted and harmed.
In just the past few weeks, there have been reports of women facing unspeakable violations. Many bodies that should be accounted for have simply vanished, possibly as an effort to conceal the regime’s atrocities. Disturbingly, some recovered bodies have been found mutilated, lacking uteruses as a grotesque method of instilling fear.
This echoes the abominable brutality exhibited during the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, where women were also victims of sexual violence. Some denied this evil because the victims were Jewish, yet today, an Iranian woman bears the brunt of similar suffering. The world must not ignore it.
Since late December, I’ve prayed daily for the end of the Islamic Republic and for the Iranian people to reclaim their lives and sovereignty. It’s a long-held belief that this struggle is solely an internal issue, one that should be managed without outside interference. But, I think that’s mistaken.
The Iranian quest for freedom is a just cause that resonates on ethical grounds, especially given the ongoing suffering.
The Islamic Republic poses a substantial threat not just to regional stability but also to the U.S., Israel, and the world—a threat that I would argue is far greater than that of the Nazis or Imperial Japan. Ending this regime is essential for global peace; it’s a central node that enables other terrorist factions to thrive.
I’m proud to be American, joining millions in celebrating our nation’s rich history over 250 years. The U.S. stands as a bastion of freedom, and many Iranians are hoping for our support. However, some believe that Iran’s fate is of no concern to Americans. They are wrong. We must recall our own history; when Americans sought independence, France extended their support. We were not alone; others recognized the significance of what we were fighting for.
As we mark the 250th anniversary of our independence, it’s vital for the U.S. to support the Iranian people’s fight for freedom and assist in restoring the legacy of 2,500 years of Persian history — proud and flourishing.
Allowing the Islamic Republic to persist, even for a day longer, harms not just Iran but the broader international community. We must dismantle the regime’s hub in Tehran and expose its operatives globally. There’s much work ahead.
In light of the circumstances in Iran, there’s one definitive path forward for its future—both at home and as a participant in the international community. I know my people. Having spent over a decade in Iran discussing matters of faith, it’s clear that many have turned away from Islam and are seeking a relationship with a loving God, a source of hope and promise.
Through my initiative, I aim to establish a foundation for what could be a transformative revolution. Once the regime is brought down, we’ll reach out to the Iranian people with a message that can change lives and foster a prosperous future for Iran for generations to come, aligning with prophecies like those in Jeremiah 49 regarding God’s establishment of a throne in the region.
