My story began before my birth, shrouded in the upheaval of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. My family, like countless others, was forced from our homeland, a nation stolen before I even drew my first breath. This isn’t simply about heritage; it’s a legacy etched in loss.
My father, Gen. Gholam Ali Oveissi, commanded the Imperial Army with unwavering patriotism. He dedicated his life to the Iranian people and ultimately died defending them against a rising tyranny. In 1984, he was assassinated in Paris, a casualty of his loyalty and refusal to yield to the new regime.
For decades, families have carried the burden of exile, witnessing the decline of a nation poised for greatness. A nation hijacked by mismanagement and rigid ideology. But now, after 47 years, a powerful shift is underway, ignited by the courage of a new generation.
This uprising transcends economic collapse, though the devastation is profound. The Iranian rial has plummeted, inflation exceeds 40%, and food prices have soared, plunging a third of the population into poverty. Billions are diverted to fund foreign entities while the Iranian people suffer.
The protests are not simply about hunger; they are a desperate cry for identity. Iranian youth are realizing what the past truly represented – a period of regional stability and prosperity. They aren’t echoing religious calls to arms, but demanding the universal values of freedom and an end to oppression.
They are rediscovering a deep pride in their Persian heritage, a lineage stretching back to 550 BC. When asked their origin, they declare, “I am Persian,” rejecting the identity imposed upon them. This is a reclaiming of self, a rejection of enforced narratives.
At the heart of this movement is a yearning for the vision of the Pahlavi era. Reza Pahlavi has emerged as the voice of the disenfranchised, not by external design, but through the will of the people. His name resonates in the streets, a symbol of hope and remembrance.
They remember – or have learned of – a time when women were respected, when diverse faiths coexisted peacefully, and when leadership invested in the future. Reza Pahlavi advocates for a nationally elected constitutional monarchy, preserving national identity within a democratic framework.
Contrary to the regime’s claims, the majority of Iranians harbor deep admiration for America. They are particularly grateful for the decisive leadership that has offered a path to confront tyranny, drawing inspiration from actions taken elsewhere.
The West’s role is crucial. Increased media attention is breaking the silence, and technological advancements are bypassing censorship. The resurgence of the Sun and Lion flag, a symbol of a glorious past, demonstrates a rising spirit of cultural revival.
I am profoundly grateful to the United States for offering my family asylum and the opportunity to become citizens. But as an Iranian American, I believe a free Iran could be a vital ally to America, a force for stability in a volatile region.
Iran was once a close partner to Israel, and that partnership could be rekindled. The coming days will be critical, and the regime will likely respond with brutal force, repeating the violence that claimed my father’s life and countless others.
The United States must unequivocally state that mass killings will not be tolerated and hold the regime accountable for its human rights abuses. The Iranian people are ready to reclaim their future. The question remains: will the free world stand with them?
