Feelings of Anxiety and Helplessness

Iranians living in the United States have expressed a profound sense of anxiety and helplessness regarding the situation in their homeland. Many are burdened by a pervasive fear for their loved ones due to internet blackouts that sever communication channels.

“No one should have to wake up every day wondering whether their loved ones have been executed, imprisoned, or killed in the streets simply for demanding dignity and freedom,” said Mahnaz, a 36-year-old Iranian.

The Emotional Toll of Distance

Fereshteh, a 45-year-old lab scientist, described recent weeks as “emotionally devastating.” She shared, “Even from afar, the fear never ceases. Many days I dread checking my phone, worried about bad news regarding family and friends.” Her sentiment reflects a broader belief among many Iranians that peaceful protests are no longer sufficient.

“The regime has shown it will respond only with bullets, prisons, and executions,” Fereshteh added. “In this context, international military intervention might be the only realistic option to halt the violence and abolish this oppressive system.”

The Call for International Support

Many respondents voiced a strong belief that some form of international intervention is imperative. Luna Houshmand, a software engineer in her 30s, emphasized, “Words and sanctions have failed for decades. If they worked, this regime wouldn’t still be killing people in the streets. If the global community genuinely supports human rights, it must take decisive action.”

An anonymous woman from New York noted that her family in Iran feels “desperate and helpless, with their only hope being foreign assistance.”

“President Trump promised to aid the people of Iran, and they are counting on that promise,” she stated. “Our only concern right now is that he may not follow through.”

Debating the Costs of Intervention

Maryam Tehrani from Seattle insisted on the need for “meaningful pressure on the Islamic Republic.” She pointed out that “sanctions targeting officials, international isolation, and real accountability matter.” Yet, she acknowledged the complexity and risks associated with military intervention, stating, “Indifference is not an option; protecting civilians and supporting the Iranian people’s right to self-determination without oppression should be the priority.”

Sahar Haddadian, a civil engineer in Florida, cautioned against the consequences of inaction, noting that some regimes leave little choice but to take difficult measures. “History shows you cannot negotiate with a regime that rules through terror,” she warned.

The Divide Among Iranians

Ellie, 42, from Colorado, shared her resistance to war but acknowledged the grave situation in Iran, indicating that people are being killed for demanding basic rights. “Without some form of international intervention—be it political, diplomatic, or strategic pressure—it is difficult to see how this regime can be stopped.”

However, not all Iranians favor military intervention. An anonymous Iranian living in California has a long-standing opposition to foreign military involvement, expressing uncertainty due to the existing violence and bloodshed. “When a regime responds to peaceful protests with mass bloodshed, it puts people like me in impossible moral dilemmas,” the individual noted.

A Hope for the Future

Tara, a 36-year-old engineer, also found herself conflicted about U.S. intervention. “I can’t predict what would happen to my family, and I fear that any intervention could lead to more death. Yet, I see no clear alternative to end the Islamic regime’s iron grip,” she said.

“I wish there were a way to remove those responsible without harming ordinary people or destroying our beautiful country,” she lamented. “I’m worried this could turn into a never-ending war.”