Hope for Change Amid Deadly Protests in Iran

Iranian Americans are watching closely, hoping the ongoing protests in Iran will result in a change in the regime. Demonstrators are risking their lives in response to the severe economic issues plaguing the country.

Mariam Jahedi Peres, a lawyer based in New York who left Iran with her family in 2000, shared her thoughts: “I think all Iranians on this side are hoping for some change for their people, because many left due to the lack of rules and particularly human rights.”

She remarked on the bravery of protesters, saying, “The fact that they know it’s a risk and are still going out shows how dire their situation is on a daily basis.” These protests have now entered their sixth day and have become increasingly deadly.

“I hope we are in a situation where some changes occur,” she added.

The protests have spread to Tehran and other areas, driven by a collapsing currency and inflation that have made essentials like rice and gasoline nearly unaffordable.

In 2025, the Iranian rial lost about half its value against the dollar, and by December of that year, the official inflation rate reached 42.5%. Food prices saw a staggering 72% rise, while health-related products jumped 50% according to the state statistics center.

Jahedi Peres mentioned her own struggles, stating she can’t even afford “simple things” to send to relatives still in Iran. The heightened calls for protests come in light of fears that government action could lead to widespread violence and imprisonment.

Ras Hakim, who escaped Iran in 1979 and now lives in Great Neck, is in contact with friends in Tehran who speak of severe shortages of water and electricity. “I think people are scared,” he voiced. “They’ve already killed many who oppose the government.”

Despite the grim circumstances, Hakim believes there is still hope for change. “Yes, if the government changes, there is hope,” he stated.

Kevin Hakimi, also from Great Neck and 34 years old, expressed a desire to see oppression come to an end. “It’s a beautiful country too,” he noted. Having grown up in America, he emphasized, “I wouldn’t want to be replaced by someone from America.”

Rebecca Sassouni, 55, a fellow resident, shared her sentiments for change but acknowledged the likelihood of increased repression before any progress is made.

James Irani, a New York City lawyer, stated that his friends in Iran are increasingly worried about the state of the economy. He pointed to Iran’s leadership focusing on supporting groups like Hamas and Hezbollah while being severely impacted by U.S. and UN sanctions that have restricted access to financial markets.

“People are fed up and don’t know what else to do,” Irani remarked, reflecting on his own departure from Iran in 1977. “They are putting their lives in danger because the regime’s brutality is such that those who resist face death… I don’t think there is a solution until the government or the constitution changes.”

The protests come in the wake of numerous demonstrations over the years, yet Iran claims these protests are addressing foundational issues affecting the population.

The upsurge of social unrest in 2022 was notably triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after being detained for supposedly wearing her hijab incorrectly.

Camelia Entehabifard, editor-in-chief of the Independent Persian newspaper, pointed out that these current protests are “very different” from earlier ones, highlighting the chants that call for regime change.

Having left Iran in 2000, Entehabifard reflected on the importance of President Trump’s backing for the protesters, stating, “It was very heartwarming” to hear warnings from him that the U.S. would intervene if the regime turned violent against demonstrators. “I think that’s what the Iranians needed to hear. They’re not going to be left alone.”