Iran may be one of the few countries in the world where a large part of the population openly celebrates actions taken against its own ruling establishment. This unusual reality is not born out of hatred for the homeland, but from decades of frustration, repression, and the widening gap between the Iranian people and the Islamic Republic.
When former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered actions against key figures of the regime, many Iranians did not respond with anger toward the United States. Instead, countless people expressed satisfaction, believing that those targeted were responsible for years of oppression, corruption, and the suffering of millions.
Likewise, when prominent figures of the regime were killed, many Iranians did not mourn. Some celebrated in the streets and on social media, viewing these events not as national tragedies but as blows against a system they believe has denied them freedom, prosperity, and dignity for more than four decades.
Today, the divide between the people and the regime is so deep that many Iranians even hope that the national football team, often perceived by critics as a symbol used by the government for political purposes, will fail in international competitions. This sentiment would be difficult to understand in most countries, where sports teams unite citizens. In Iran, however, many believe that victories are often exploited by the authorities to distract from the country’s deeper problems.
Yet despite years of disappointment, Iranians have not lost hope. Across Iran and throughout the diaspora, millions continue to dream of a free, democratic, and prosperous future. They remain committed to the ideals of liberty, human rights, and national unity.
As Empress Farah Pahlavi has often said: “The darkest night will come to an end, and light will overcome darkness.”
For many Iranians, these words are more than a message of hope; they are a reminder that no period of oppression lasts forever. Inside and outside the country, countless Iranians continue their struggle for freedom, believing that a brighter future awaits their nation.
Many of these Iranians also express their support for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, whom they view as a symbol of national unity and democratic transition. Whether through activism, public advocacy, or simply refusing to surrender hope, they continue to stand firm in their vision of a free Iran.
Their message is simple: Iran belongs to its people, and one day, they believe, freedom will prevail.
Jasmine Navabi
