Fariba Hachtroudi: 'It is beyond imagination what has happened' in Iran

Key Concepts

• Widespread Disillusionment & Rage: A significant shift in the Iranian protest movement from peaceful activism to anger and a desire for revenge.
• Regime Violence & Escalation: The brutal suppression of protests by Iranian authorities, including the use of militias and potential foreign fighters (Hezbollah).
• Information Blackout & Hidden Casualties: Difficulty in accurately assessing the scale of death and injuries due to internet shutdowns and government control of information.
• Fracture Between Regime & People: A perceived irreversible break in trust and legitimacy between the Iranian government and its citizens.
• Shifting Views on International Intervention: A growing sentiment among Iranians, previously opposed to foreign interference, now appealing for assistance due to the severity of the violence.

The Current Mood in Iran: Shock, Rage, and a Call for Help

The current atmosphere in Iran is characterized by “shock, despair, and… a growing revenge desire,” a sentiment the speaker has not witnessed before, particularly among young people. Previously committed to peaceful protest, activists are now expressing anger and frustration, stating they “can’t take it anymore.” A relative in Tehran described a pervasive sense of being “surrounded by death.” The speaker emphasizes that everyone in Iran is potentially in danger, even those within the power structure, due to the unpredictable nature of the regime’s most radical elements.

Escalation of Violence and the Role of Militias

An activist in Tehran recounted an incident on Engalab Street where approximately 200 motorbikes carrying militias and displaying Hezbollah flags surrounded peaceful protestors. These militias reportedly threatened protestors, stating they would direct any retaliation for actions against Israel and the United States onto the protestors themselves. The speaker highlights the significance of the Hezbollah flags, interpreting them as a signal that the regime is no longer acting solely in the interests of the Iranian people, and potentially deploying foreign fighters – specifically units from Hezbollah in Lebanon – against its own citizens. This has generated widespread fear. The speaker explicitly states the regime is bringing in foreigners “to kill Iranians.”

Assessing the Scale of Death and Injuries

Determining the exact number of casualties is proving difficult. The speaker avoids providing specific figures, wary of inaccuracy, and instead references the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, who estimates the number of victims is “much more than 300” – the figure provided by the Iranian government. However, reports suggest a significantly higher number, with one unnamed government source initially claiming at least 5,000 deaths. The speaker details the horrific nature of the injuries, citing a report of 500 people injured in their eyes in a single day, along with injuries to legs and head wounds. Crucially, individuals attempting to help the injured are also being targeted and shot, demonstrating a complete disregard for human life.

The Irreversible Fracture and Continued Resistance

The speaker believes the protests will not stop, asserting that a fundamental and irreversible “fracture” has occurred between the government and the Iranian people. They express immense admiration for the “brilliant” young activists involved, believing they deserve a better future. The speaker is personally committed to continuing the struggle, stating they would return to Iran even if it meant imprisonment.

Shifting Perspectives on International Intervention

Historically, the majority of Iranians have opposed foreign interference, remembering the negative consequences of interventions in countries like Iraq. However, the speaker notes a significant shift in sentiment following the recent bloodshed. For the first time, a majority are now appealing for outside assistance, expressing a desperate desire for the violence to end. This is illustrated by a young man’s plea, referencing the historical use of force by the regime (“do you remember they shoot horses?” – referencing a film depicting such events) and stating, “let them come and shoot us all of us.” The speaker recalls the 12-day war with Israel last year, where Iranians were largely against outside involvement, but now the situation is drastically different. Donald Trump’s statement of “Help is on the way” is noted, and the speaker is reporting that Iranians are now receptive to such offers.

Technical Terms & Concepts

• Hezbollah: A Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group, often supported by Iran. Its presence in Iran, even symbolically through flags, is seen as a dangerous escalation.
• NOS: (Likely referring to a network of social activists) – A network of Iranian activists providing information from within the country.
• UN Special Rapporteur: An independent expert appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate and report on a specific human rights theme or country situation.

Logical Connections

The transcript follows a logical progression: it begins with an overview of the current mood in Iran, then details the escalating violence and the regime’s tactics, moves to the difficulty of assessing the true scale of the crisis, and concludes with a discussion of the future of the protests and the changing attitudes towards international intervention. Each section builds upon the previous one, demonstrating how the initial shock and despair have evolved into rage and a desperate plea for help.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The situation in Iran is dire, marked by widespread disillusionment, brutal repression, and a growing sense of desperation. The regime’s escalating violence, including the potential deployment of foreign militias, has created a climate of fear and fueled a desire for revenge among the Iranian people. While historically opposed to foreign intervention, many Iranians are now actively seeking assistance, signaling a profound shift in perspective. The speaker emphasizes the irreversible fracture between the government and its citizens, and their unwavering commitment to continuing the fight for a better future. The transcript paints a grim picture of a nation on the brink, desperately seeking a way out of the current crisis.