The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has sparked discussions about potential political transformations in Iran, especially from Iranian Americans and Israeli officials advocating for regime change. Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi emphasized that the time for change is near, expressing optimism about the future of Iran. During an interview with Fox News, he stated the importance of removing the current regime, arguing it has been detrimental to the Iranian people for decades. Dr. Sheila Nazarian, an Iranian American and plastic surgeon, echoed this sentiment, sharing her family’s decision to leave Iran due to the oppressive conditions following the 1979 Revolution, particularly concerning women’s rights.
Both Pahlavi and Nazarian assert that the Iranian regime is now at its most vulnerable, urging military factions within Iran to seize this opportunity. Dr. Nazarian pointed out the regime’s brutality over 45 years, which includes violence against women and political dissenters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced these views, noting that an internal uprising against the regime could gain substantial public support, stating that the majority of Iranians yearn for freedom. Israel’s military strikes have reportedly targeted top Iranian military leaders and nuclear facilities, further destabilizing the regime.
Support for regime change is not limited to Iranian Americans; U.S. political figures are also calling for intervention. Former Ambassador Sam Brownback called for significant U.S. support—diplomatic, economic, and technological—to assist in overthrowing the Iranian government. Dr. Nazarian expressed appreciation for President Trump’s hardline stance against Iran, arguing that negotiation is perceived by the regime as a sign of weakness. She emphasized that the only language understood by the Iranian leadership is that of power.
The Iranian government has continued to demonstrate its defiance, recently rejecting ceasefire negotiations in the wake of Israeli strikes. As reported by Iranian officials, they will only consider negotiations after responding to these preemptive attacks. This hostility further complicates the geopolitical landscape and increases tensions in the region, with the potential for military conflict escalating in the near future.
Dr. Nazarian also shared her personal experiences of growing up in Iran as a Jewish individual, highlighting the oppressive climate that prompted her family’s emigration. She expressed gratitude for the support shown by President Trump toward the Persian Jewish community. Her discussions with him reflected the desire for a strong U.S. stance against the Iranian regime, aligning with broader sentiments among Iranian Americans advocating for freedom.
As developments unfold, Iranian and Israeli voices alike stress that the current geopolitical landscape presents a rare chance for change within Iran. Advocates for regime change, both within and outside Iran, are increasingly vocal about their demands for democratic reforms and human rights, presenting their hopes for a future where the Iranian populace can thrive free from oppression.
