An Iranian Woman's Fear of Revolutionary Guards and Hope for Regime Change
In a war-torn Iran, the voices of ordinary citizens are breaking through despite severe internet restrictions. Millions watch as their neighborhoods face bombardment and the country's leadership is decimated. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Mullahs struggle to maintain control after former US President Donald Trump urged a popular uprising to overthrow the regime.
Living in Fear of Armed Violence
One Iranian woman, identified as Rozita to protect her anonymity, has bravely spoken out about the ongoing terror tactics used by the IRGC to suppress dissent. Through the activist group Stage of Freedom, she revealed that her family fears not the precise missile strikes from the US and Israel, but the constant threat from armed forces on the streets.
Rozita described scenes of undercover operatives and IRGC members, fully armed with weapons like Kalashnikovs, patrolling without formal attire. She emphasized that the fear of arbitrary violence persists, stating, "They can shoot you if they feel they want to. That is our biggest fear." This comes weeks after the regime's brutal crackdown on nationwide protests, which reportedly killed thousands.
Joy and Sadness Over Khamenei's Death
Rozita, a member of the pro-democracy Stage for Freedom, expressed mixed emotions upon hearing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, which was tearfully announced on national TV after he was found dead in rubble from an assassination. She said, "We are all happy Khamenei is dead. This is a very great thing. We have a very strange feeling of happiness and hope, as well as sadness, because our lives would have been spared if he died earlier."
Donald Trump has cited the regime's treatment of protesters and nuclear ambitions as reasons for launching strikes against the IRGC, claiming 30,000 deaths in January uprisings. In response, Iran imposed another internet blackout, but citizens are circumventing it using SpaceX Starlink terminals, decentralized messaging networks, and virtual private networks.
Support for External Intervention and Future Leadership
Rozita conveyed her support for US and Israel intervention, condemning the regime as "crazy" and highlighting its attacks on neighboring countries. She and her family are already contemplating Iran's future leadership, with many unifying around Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the son of the exiled Shah, despite Trump's doubts about his broad support.
She added, "I believe in Mr Pahlavi as a leader. All my family and friends think the same name. We used to think in different ways but now we are united." Videos from protests have shown demonstrators chanting for Pahlavi and his late father, reinforcing this sentiment.
Activist Solidarity and Calls for Continued Pressure
Ellie Borhan, founder of Stage for Freedom in the UK, noted that Iranians in exile draw courage from youth inside Iran, who remain undeterred. Borhan said, "They tell us not to worry about them. They ask only that the pressure and attacks against the regime do not stop until the Islamic Republic is gone." She expressed a wish to stand with them in Iran, fighting for freedom.
Rozita has promised to meet Borhan in Tehran once Iran is free, stating, "When Iran becomes free, I will see and hug you in Tehran. If I don't survive, celebrate on my behalf when victory comes." This poignant message underscores the high stakes and enduring hope for change in a country gripped by conflict and repression.
