My story began before my birth, shrouded in the upheaval of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. My family’s homeland was violently stolen, forcing us into exile even before I drew my first breath. This isn’t simply a matter of heritage for me; it’s a legacy etched in loss and sacrifice.
My father, Gen. Gholam Ali Oveissi, commanded the Imperial Army with unwavering patriotism. He dedicated his life to the people of Iran, and ultimately died defending them against a rising tyranny. In 1984, he was assassinated in Paris, a casualty of his loyalty to the Shah and his refusal to submit to the new regime.
For decades, families like mine have borne the weight of displacement, watching from afar as a nation poised for greatness was systematically dismantled by mismanagement and rigid ideology. But a shift is happening now, a turning of the tide after 47 years of oppression.
This uprising isn’t solely about economic collapse, though the devastation is undeniable. The Iranian rial has plummeted, inflation has soared past 40%, and over a third of the population now lives in poverty. Billions are diverted to fund foreign conflicts while the Iranian people struggle with a failing economy and decaying infrastructure.
The protests are a cry for something deeper than sustenance; they are a demand for identity. A new generation is awakening to the promise of the Pahlavi era – a time of regional stability and prosperity. They aren’t echoing religious fervor; they are yearning for freedom, prosperity, and an end to oppression.
They are rediscovering a profound pride in their Persian heritage, a lineage stretching back to 550 B.C. When asked their origin, they declare, “I am Persian,” rejecting the imposed identity of the Islamic Republic. This is a reclamation of self, a powerful assertion of who they truly are.
At the heart of this movement is a longing for the vision of the past. Reza Pahlavi has emerged as the voice of the disenfranchised, not by design of outside forces, but by the will of the people themselves. 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, a system that honors national identity while embracing democratic governance.
Contrary to the regime’s claims, the majority of Iranians harbor deep admiration for America. They are especially grateful for the decisive leadership that offered a path to confront tyranny, providing inspiration to those fighting for freedom.
The West has a crucial role to play. Increased media attention is vital to break the silence surrounding this revolution. Technological advancements, like those providing uncensored access to information, are lifelines for the protesters.
The resurgence of the Sun and Lion flag, a symbol of Iran’s rich cultural heritage, on social media is a powerful testament to the rising spirit of the nation. It’s a visual declaration that the glory of Persia is being reborn.
I am profoundly grateful to the United States for offering my family political 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 potential for a renewed alliance, built on shared values and mutual interests, is immense.
The coming days will be critical. The regime will likely respond with the same brutality that claimed my father’s life and the lives of countless others. The United States must make it unequivocally clear that mass killings will not be tolerated.
The people of Iran are ready to reclaim their future. The question now is whether the free world will stand with them, offering not just words of support, but concrete action to ensure their freedom.
