Protests Amid Cold Weather
Despite the rain and chilly temperatures, Iranian Americans gathered near the White House on Saturday to express solidarity with ongoing protests in Iran.
What started as demonstrations by Iranian merchants against economic hardship has transformed into widespread demands for regime change and political reform, extending beyond Tehran and leading to increased military presence from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
At least 65 protesters have lost their lives in Iran during these uprisings. The purpose of the D.C. rally is threefold: to encourage U.S. policymakers and citizens to support the Iranian people, to prevent further crackdowns, and to hold Iran’s clerical leadership accountable.
The demonstrators chanted slogans like “Freedom in Iran” and “Regime change in Iran by the people of Iran,” while displaying posters honoring those who have died recently. Alireza Jafarzadeh, deputy director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, commended the Washington protesters for standing with those risking their lives in Iran.
“All over the country, there is a call for regime change; down with the dictator, long live freedom,” he declared. “Today marks the 14th day of an uprising that continues to gain momentum.”
Majid Sadeghpour, a volunteer with the Organization of Iranian American Communities hosting the rally, shared his experience growing up during the 1979 revolution that ousted the shah. He noted similarities between past events and current protests against clerical rule.
Joanne McIntosh, who fled Iran in 1981 after her husband was executed by the regime, expressed hope that this moment could lead to significant change: “I believe we’ve reached a turning point.”
The American government has voiced support for protesters and warned of potential intervention if violence against them escalates. President Trump stated on social media that “Iran is looking at freedom like never before” and affirmed U.S. readiness to assist.
The Iranian authorities have shifted from violent repression to severe technological measures, including cutting off internet access nationwide.
Mandana Roushan from Virginia expressed her aspiration for a liberated and democratic Iran: “We will always support our people until this fascist dictatorship is gone.” She emphasized that protests serve as a vital voice for Iranians both inside and outside their country.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed protesters as vandals seeking favor with foreign leaders while demonstrators chanted against him directly.
Mickey Mohammadi, who joined her mother at the rally, highlighted skepticism towards Reza Pahlavi’s potential return as a leader: “If we allow him back into power, will it just lead us back to monarchy?” She pointed out that true change requires dismantling rather than reforming existing structures.
