From our particular correspondent in Los Angeles,
Unusual day this Monday, June 15 for Iranian supporters close to Los Angeles. Whereas a big protest motion towards the regime in place in Tehran was organized a few hours before the matchbringing collectively thousand folks round SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, the ambiance was fully completely different as soon as inside. To everybody’s shock, it should be stated.
As a result of this primary match of “Crew Melli” ought to have been a possibility for the opponents to indicate the world that they fully dissociated themselves from their choice, which they take into account to be the sporting emanation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its leaders. The day earlier than, we had additionally been in a position to comply with preparations for this major event in the family of Assal Pahlevana journalist and activist exiled in Paris after which Los Angeles, and we had been then advised that no followers would rejoice, so far as potential, Iranian objectives.
Besides that we witnessed one thing fully completely different. The overwhelming majority of Iranians current Monday night in LA being a part of a diaspora which continues to name for the autumn of the regime in place and the institution of democracy, we certainly imagined that the eleven males on the garden would really feel very alone when it got here time to rejoice against New Zealand. However after conceding the opener at the beginning of the match, Amir Ghalenoei’s males equalized and made the stadium explode with happiness. Ditto for the 2-2 aim, whereas the Néo-Z had managed to regain the benefit at the beginning of the second half.
Clearly heartbreaking for Assal Pahlevanwho now not responded to us after we left him throughout the preparation night for at the present time, clearly in contrast to some other. We think about her as upset as she was combative and filled with hope earlier than this match. Which on no account detracts from the energy of the interview she gave us a number of hours earlier than Iran’s draw (2-2) towards the enticing New Zealanders, and which we’re transcribing to you this Tuesday.
Are you able to introduce your self and inform us what you do in Los Angeles?
I’m a journalist and I host a tv program 3 times per week aimed toward Iranians again residence. Because of the satellite tv for pc, they’ll entry impartial info on the fact of the regime. I take into account myself their voice from the US. I additionally work with political prisoners, scholar actions and activists in Iran. An essential a part of my exercise additionally consists of constructing our work recognized to the Iranian diaspora with a view to elevate the funds vital for our motion.
Inform us in regards to the time you needed to flee Iran with your loved ones.
I left Iran with my household forty years in the past. We left for Paris after the discharge of my father, who had been arrested shortly after Khomeini got here to energy. My father was a well known author and mental in Iran. France issued us visas in a short time. In twenty-four hours, the whole lot was prepared and we left the nation within the best secrecy. Nobody knew, not even our mates.
Why did you lastly depart France after ten years?
As a result of my father remained uncovered to threats there. I stayed a number of extra years as a result of I had grown up in France, I had studied there and constructed my life. However I ended up becoming a member of my mother and father. It was additionally a query of safety, as a result of I personally had engaged towards the Iranian regime. I grew to become the lady I’m at the moment the day two law enforcement officials got here to arrest my father. I used to be twelve years previous. I stood in entrance of the door to cease them from taking him away. Once I requested to go together with him, they refused. One in every of them assured me that he would come residence rapidly. That day, I understood what this food regimen actually was and I vowed to battle it for the remainder of my life.
Do you continue to worry on your life or that of your father at the moment?
No. In fact the regime wish to silence us, however we’re well-known personalities. Attacking us would trigger robust indignation. I host a extremely popular opposition present in Iran, we have now {a magazine} and a radio station. My father additionally stays a revered mental determine. The political price can be too excessive for them.
How would you describe the scenario in Iran after the December protests and the January repression?
It is chaos. In accordance with the data supplied to us, the regime demonstrated excessive brutality throughout the repression of the protest actions of December 2025. Between January 8 and 9, practically 42,000 folks* had been killed, primarily younger folks. What regime can act like this towards its personal youth? This method should fall, and the earlier the higher.
The assaults by the US and Israel have prompted a wave of indignation the world over. What did you consider it?
The Islamic regime has been in energy for forty-seven years and Iranians have been struggling for forty-seven years. If at the moment Israel or the US contribute to weakening this regime, we can’t ignore it. The Iranian folks tried to stand up, notably throughout the “Girl, Life, Freedom” motion, however they by no means acquired the assistance they hoped for. That is why I’m not afraid to say that I’m comfortable to see exterior powers lastly tackling this regime.
Did you suppose the regime would final this lengthy?
Sure. I by no means believed in a fast collapse. Iran has appreciable sources and intensive battle expertise. However I stay satisfied that the regime is experiencing one of the fragile intervals in its historical past. I’m satisfied that main adjustments are coming.
How do you think about the way forward for Iran if the regime had been to fall?
I’ve at all times trusted Reza Pahlavi, the Shah’s son. For years, he has defended a easy concept: the Iranian folks should have the ability to freely determine their future, and democracy can’t be negotiated. I by no means belonged to his motion, however I believe that at the moment he represents one of the credible choices for making ready for the post-regime. His staff has lengthy been engaged on a transition undertaking developed with teachers, economists and different specialists. That is important as a result of many Iranians worry chaos. We inform them that an alternate exists and that the circumstances are met to permit the nation to rapidly regain its stability. I’m satisfied that this second is nearer than ever.
What does this Iranian choice concerned on this World Cup characterize in your eyes?
The regime has clearly stated that the gamers will characterize the Iranian authorities on this World Cup. So this staff doesn’t characterize us. And this flag isn’t theirs, it’s that of the folks. We’re not going to be hostile in direction of them, we’re not going to sing towards them or whistle at them, however I hope we can’t encourage them both. What we wish is to be current on the stadium and make our voice heard, that of a individuals who demand a freedom to which they’ve the precise.
* The variety of 42,000 deaths usually cited by opponents of the Tehran regime isn’t official and estimates range significantly from one supply to a different. The American journal Time, for its half, reported that greater than 30,000 folks had been killed throughout these 48 hours of repression alone, in accordance with sources within the Iranian Ministry of Well being.
