Iranian Americans in New York expressed their heartbreak over the brutal killings of anti-regime protesters, as they anxiously awaited President Trump’s response to the situation.
Protests ignited by Iran’s economic turmoil have led to over 500 deaths, with reports stating that the government has detained more than 10,000 individuals. President Trump has hinted at the possibility of U.S. military intervention against the regime.
“I don’t trust the Iranian government,” remarked a 61-year-old man from Great Neck, whose wife is still in Iran.
Many view the government as corrupt and dishonest. “They’re smuggling drugs and guns, even selling body parts. People are afraid to speak out,” he added.
Maryam Jahedi Peres, a lawyer in New York City, described the ongoing violence against Iranians striving for a better life as “heartbreaking.” She pointed to the government’s internet shutdown as particularly alarming.
“They don’t want the outside world to witness what’s happening,” she noted.
James Irani observed that conditions are worsening, despite Tehran’s attempts at compromise. He expects President Trump to escalate pressures that might further isolate Iran.
“That’s possibly the only way to halt atrocities against innocent people,” said Irani, who left Iran in the late 1970s.
While Iran insists that military intervention isn’t the answer, Irani believes that providing morale support could be very beneficial.
According to sources familiar with White House talks, President Trump and his national security team are weighing various responses to Iran, including cyberattacks or direct strikes by the U.S. or Israel.
A general recently indicated willingness to negotiate with the U.S., on the condition that action may be required beforehand.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency reported that over 10,600 people have been detained, with at least 572 fatalities occurring between protesters and Iranian security forces. Among the dead, approximately 503 were protesters, while the rest included security personnel.
Jahedi Peres expressed concern that if President Trump intervenes, it should not result in unintended consequences, unlike the sanctions imposed during his first term that harmed the Iranian economy.
Meanwhile, the 61-year-old from Great Neck stated his desire for U.S. intervention, saying, “I don’t understand why Mr. Trump is waiting. This is the right time.” He fears that without Trump’s support, protesters may not achieve much.
Benny, a barber from Great Neck, mentioned that many clients, connected to Iran, are pleased with Trump’s potential backing of the protests. “We want Iran to be free. Many have sacrificed their homes and livelihoods. It’s impossible to do that with the regime still in power,” he noted.
