The ongoing protests in Iran have sparked a flurry of international attention, with calls for regime change and foreign intervention. However, as Iranian citizens living abroad share their perspectives, a more nuanced approach emerges, highlighting the complexities and potential pitfalls of external involvement.
Roya, a 27-year-old Swiss-based Iranian, expresses concerns about the role of monarchists and the possibility of a “recycled monarchy” taking power. She believes that “the people need to take back Iran by ourselves and for ourselves; we can’t count on foreign intervention.” Reza, a UK-based teacher with family in Iran, echoes this sentiment, stating that “only Iranians have changed Iran, no one else” and that the necessary change will likely take a generation.
In contrast, Rose, a 26-year-old Iranian student in the UK, calls for urgent intervention from President Trump, stating that “what people want most is strong international pressure, protection of civilians, and a regime change.” Mani, a 27-year-old Scottish-based student, also favours Trump’s involvement, believing that Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former Shah, is the best alternative to the current regime.
However, Hana, a 40-year-old German-based Iranian, cautions against foreign intervention, warning that “any US involvement could lead to civil war and the disintegration of Iran, causing lots of issues for the region.” She believes that the current situation is “heartbreaking” but that a viable alternative to the regime is not yet evident.
The diverse perspectives from Iranians living abroad highlight the nuanced and complex nature of the situation in Iran. While the desire for change is palpable, the path forward is far from clear. Calls for foreign intervention are met with concerns about the potential for further instability and the need for Iranians to lead the transformation themselves.
As the protests continue and the death toll rises, the international community must approach the situation in Iran with caution and a deep understanding of the country’s history and the aspirations of its people. Ultimately, any meaningful change must come from within, driven by the Iranian people themselves.
