As protests in Iran escalate into the deadliest unrest since the 1979 revolution, Iranian-Americans are voicing their concerns and fears for relatives back home.The Iranian government's violent crackdown has resulted in over 500 deaths and thousands of arrests, leaving many in the US feeling a mix of anxiety and helplessness.
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theguardian.comaol.comMahnaz, a 36-year-old Iranian-American, articulated the emotional toll of the situation, stating, "No one should have to wake up every day wondering whether their loved ones have been executed, imprisoned, or killed in the streets simply for demanding dignity and freedom." The internet blackouts imposed by the Iranian regime have only exacerbated these worries, disconnecting families from vital news about their loved ones.
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theguardian.comFereshteh, a lab scientist aged 45, described the past weeks as "emotionally devastating." She expressed a fear that peaceful protests are no longer sufficient to bring about change, declaring, "The regime has shown that it will respond only with bullets, prisons, and executions." Many Iranians are now advocating for international military intervention as a possible solution to halt the violence and dismantle the oppressive regime.
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theguardian.comEllie, 33, shared her feelings of survivor's guilt living in the US while her compatriots face violence."A regime that suppresses its own people through violence, fear, and isolation does not remain a local problem," she noted, emphasizing the broader implications of the Iranian government's actions on regional stability.
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theguardian.comThe sentiment among many Iranian-Americans is that traditional responses, such as sanctions and verbal condemnations, have failed to curb the regime's brutality.Luna Houshmand, a software engineer in her 30s, stated, "If the world truly believes in human rights, it must move beyond statements and take real action." Many believe that meaningful pressure on the Iranian government is necessary to protect civilians and support the Iranian people's fight for freedom.
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theguardian.comIn New York, where protests have been organized in solidarity with those in Iran, attendees have expressed heartbreak over the violence."The spike in deadly violence against Iranians fighting for a better life is heartbreaking," said Maryam Jahedi-Perez, a lawyer who remains deeply concerned about the implications of US intervention.
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aol.comThe Iranian regime's response to the protests has been brutal, with reports indicating that security forces are willing to use lethal force against demonstrators.Eyewitness accounts from Tehran describe protests where security personnel were heavily deployed, resulting in mass casualties.A European diplomat reported that at least 1.5 million people protested on 8 January, but the government responded with violence, leading to a significant death toll.
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iranintl.comDespite the risks, many Iranians in the US are calling for President Trump to take decisive action.They remember previous US promises of support and express frustration at what they perceive as inaction.An anonymous Iranian-American from New York said, "President Trump promised the people of Iran that he would come to save them, and the people have counted on that promise." This sentiment reflects a growing frustration with the lack of substantial US support for the Iranian people's struggle.
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theguardian.comaol.comHowever, opinions on foreign military intervention are mixed among the Iranian-American community.While some advocate for it as a necessary step, others express deep concerns about the potential consequences.Tara, a civil engineer, voiced her fears that any intervention could lead to more destruction and loss of life."I wish there were a way to remove those responsible without harming ordinary people," she said, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
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theguardian.comAs the crackdown continues, the emotional and psychological impact on Iranians abroad is profound.Many report feeling paralyzed and overwhelmed by grief and anger, as they witness the suffering of their compatriots from afar.A common theme emerges from these conversations: the desperate need for solidarity and tangible support from the international community.
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theguardian.comaol.comThe situation in Iran remains dire, with the regime showing no signs of relenting in its violent suppression of dissent.For Iranian-Americans, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty, leaving many grappling with the moral contradictions of their feelings about intervention and the hope for change.
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theguardian.comiranintl.comIn this moment of crisis, the voices of Iranian-Americans underscore the urgent need for a response that prioritizes human rights and supports the aspirations of the Iranian people for a free and just society.
