Iranian-American Couple Reacts to Protests Against War
An Iranian-American couple is observing protests against the ongoing conflict involving Iran from their home in Southern California. Their reflections bring up memories of life under a regime that heavily influenced their youth.
Since Operation Epic Fury launched, it has garnered significant attention and led to widespread anti-war demonstrations throughout the U.S. Behzad Hemmati, 50, and Rahil Nazarian, 42, both arrived in the United States from Iran as young adults. From their perspective, the current conflict feels less like a war and more like a “rescue mission.”
Hemmati, who grew up under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, recalls being too young to appreciate the better times before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. His childhood wasn’t marked by the freedoms that one might typically expect; he expresses a longing for a “normal” teenage experience—something that was simply not acceptable in Iran.
“I wanted to dance and play with friends,” he shared, reflecting on the restrictions that separated boys and girls and the oppressive control of the government. “They turn your beautiful life into something unrecognizable.”
Nazarian’s tale is also steeped in trauma, having been born during the Iran-Iraq war. She noted her father’s former job as a teacher, which slipped away when the Islamic Republic took their home and livelihood. She remembers how her father was unjustly dismissed from his position simply because he had worked during the Shah’s era.
The Impact of the Iranian Regime
In a poignant recollection, Nazarian described a heart-wrenching moment when her father did not return from a Revolutionary Guards Corps camp after being promised his family’s possessions back. “They had executed most of his family,” she recalled.
Operations that began with the first attacks early on February 28 have stirred a variety of sentiments in the U.S., resulting in some backlash against the government. Despite this, Hemmati and Nazarian expressed confusion over the anti-war protests, arguing that those involved might not fully grasp the complexities of the situation.
“People out in the streets saying no to war, they have no clue,” Hemmati said, highlighting a contrast between those protesting and individuals within the Iranian-American community who support military action. They attend local rallies regularly, asserting that these events serve as a voice for those who cannot express their support from within Iran.
Voices of Hope and Reconciliation
Both Nazarian and Hemmati keep in touch with family in Iran and stated they are pleased with developments despite ongoing dangers. “No matter what happens, even if we lose everything, as long as we’re alive and capable of fighting back, we will be grateful,” Hemmati said.
According to Nazarian, their relatives express gratitude for U.S. efforts to aid their quest for freedom. Hemmati believes the operation specifically targets important Revolutionary Guard locations, which he sees as a critical step towards liberation.
Looking ahead, they hope to visit their family in Iran—a journey they have both longed for. “I haven’t seen my cousins in nine years,” Nazarian pointed out, while Hemmati added that it has been 19 years for him. “It’s what I’ve been waiting for all this time,” he reflected, acknowledging that despite the sacrifices, the drive for freedom persists among those still in Iran.
