Opinion - For far too long, the Iranian people have been subject to the whims of a repressive regime, stifling their aspirations for freedom, prosperity, peace with Israel and self-determination.
The time has come for the world to acknowledge the resilience and yearning for liberty within Iran and to support Iranians in charting their own destiny.
For years, I had the honor of serving as the Executive Director of the Iranian Americans for Liberty. Every day in this role, we pushed back against the Regime’s mouthpieces in the United States while exposing the Regime in Tehran for the oppressive dictators that they are.
Iran, with its rich history and vibrant culture, deserves better than to be shackled by the oppressive rule of a theocratic regime that is far more interested in leading the world in funding terrorist proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and others than in supporting their own people. Despite facing immense challenges and systematic repression, the Iranian people have shown remarkable courage and resilience in their quest for freedom and democracy.
The waves of protests over the last couple of years that swept across Iran is a testament to the growing frustration and disillusionment with the current regime. From economic hardships to political oppression, Iranians from all walks of life are demanding change and are unwilling to accept the status quo any longer.
And you know what, we, the United States should be supporting them and not unfreezing billions of dollars to the Regime. This is madness!
It is incumbent upon the international community to stand in solidarity with the Iranian people and support their aspirations for freedom and democracy. This means holding the Iranian regime accountable for its egregious human rights abuses, its support for terrorism, and its destabilizing activities in the region.
When we look around the Middle East, the only reason Hamas and Hezbollah are able to operate at such a high level is because of the financial, material and logistical support they receive from the Regime. The Saudis, Emiratis and other leaders in the region are not the ones funding terrorist groups!
Moreover, it is imperative to empower civil society organizations, human rights activists, and independent media within Iran to amplify the voices of the Iranian people and promote democratic values. By providing moral, diplomatic, and material support to these grassroots movements, the international community can help Iranians reclaim their rightful place as masters of their own destiny.
I don’t think the Iranian people are not asking for handouts; they are demanding the fundamental rights and freedoms that are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that the United States claims to support.
They deserve the opportunity to choose their own leaders, to express themselves freely, and to pursue their dreams without fear of persecution or reprisal.
It is time for the world and President Biden in particular to stand with the Iranian people in their quest for freedom and democracy. It is time to support their efforts to chart their own destiny and to build a future that is based on justice, equality, and respect for human rights. The Iranian people have waited long enough; now is their time to act and every freedom and liberty loving American should be supporting them!
The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily the views of Iran International
