Googoosh Appeals to Trump for Support Amid Iranian Uprisings

Googoosh, a renowned pop icon in Iran known as the “Voice of Iran,” has reached out to President Donald Trump, urging him to “honor his word” and provide steadfast support to the Iranian people. This comes as protests escalate against what she describes as a nationwide massacre initiated by the clerical regime to quash demands for change.

In a recent interview, the 75-year-old singer, who has been in exile since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, emphasized that Trump’s support could significantly impact the current situation, where countless Iranians are facing brutal crackdowns, including mass executions and terrorist campaigns targeting dissenters. She believes the American president’s words carry “unique weight” during this critical time.

Googoosh holds a significant place in modern Iranian history. Before the revolution, her work in music and film represented a vibrant, cosmopolitan Iran. At the peak of her career, she was not only a pop star but a cultural icon, influencing trends across the region until her career was halted by the restrictive clerical regime.

Despite the civil unrest, Googoosh had previously decided to cancel what many anticipated would be her farewell concert, a choice made long before the violence intensified. “I want the world to understand,” she stated, “that art cannot thrive in a nation without basic necessities like water and security.” She reflected on how, under the current regime, the essence of art feels lost.

“Art loses its significance when a nation suffers under state-sponsored violence,” she noted, highlighting the critical moment Iran is experiencing. The protests signify a breaking point, revealing that fear alone can no longer govern the people.

Googoosh expressed admiration for the brave Iranians who have stood up against the regime, noting their readiness to risk everything. “They are no longer afraid,” she declared, pointing out that this courage has triggered the regime’s fierce retaliation.

She stressed that optimism alone will not end the violence, cautioning that bravery needs to be backed by effective action. Reports suggest that over 30,000 people have died due to the regime’s crackdown, with some estimates placing the death toll as high as 80,000. The aftermath has been particularly grim, with allegations of injuries and deaths in hospitals and mass arrests taking place under the veil of normalcy projected by the regime.

In a poignant letter to Trump, shared with her millions of followers on Instagram, she urged him to take decisive action as the situation worsens. Just days before her address, Trump had warned Tehran against violent repression of peaceful protesters, stating that the U.S. was “locked and loaded” to assist.

Googoosh believes that Trump’s position could serve as a source of hope for many, and she expects him to follow through with his commitment to help the Iranian people. However, she emphasized that it’s not just up to the U.S., but also the international community’s moral duty to act against the regime’s brutality.

Despite decades of repression, she is optimistic that the end of the Islamic Republic is approaching. “I believe that Iranians will wake up from this nightmare,” she said, envisioning a future where the people’s voice leads to free elections and a revitalized society.

Reflecting on her past experiences, she noted, “Before the revolution, Iranians lived freely.” She yearns to see a future in which the values of dignity, equality, and creativity are restored and even enhanced by a resilient younger generation. Her recent memoir addresses how the regime has suppressed art and joy, which have quietly persisted despite oppression.

She concluded by expressing hope that once the regime falls, the world will finally understand the true essence of Iran, a culture rich in art, music, and joy, contrasting sharply with the narrative shaped by years of the Islamic Republic’s governance. “My own story offers just a glimpse into a reality that has endured through hardship,” she noted, calling for international awareness as tensions with Iran reach a boiling point.