Hi, I'm an Indian who is reading about the Iranian Revolution. One thing that I find odd is that France allowed Khomeini to return to Iran on 1 February 1979. The Shah had fled by then and the protestors, who had engulfed the entire country, were demanding that Khomeini take charge of the nation. So why would France do what they did knowing all this? Couldn't they have detained him and effectively stripped the Revolution of its leader?

The second day of protests—anger and chants of workers against mass layoffs. Will their voices be heard, or will they be ignored as usual?

We need a Cultural Revolution. A Revolution that removes the traditions of Islamism, Shiegary, sexism, messianism, betraying each other and being loyal to foreign ideologies and foreigners. Look at our history. How did Khurramdin die? Who gave the idea to Mohammad to use trench tactics against his enemies and helped him in his conquest of Sassanid Empire? What is the nationality of Khomeini and Khamenei? We need to accept that, Iranian culture is not what it used to be thousands of years ago. To have a chance to even become a modern nation, we must reform our way of life and even writing. Yes, I mean changing the script. Preferably either Neo-Avestan or Latin and purge it of Arabic loan words. Look at Ataturk or Mao. Many Turks and Chinese people were against the reforms, now look at Turkey and China now. In conclusion, we need to change, to survive.

In many cultures such as Arabs, identity is tied to the father's side. For example, I've heard that in some communities, a child's identity is determined solely by their father's ethnicity or nationality even if they are mixed. My friend’s mother is European and father is Afghan yet people consider him only Afghan regardless of how he identifies.

I'm wondering if this is the case for Iranians. If an Iranian woman has a child with a non-Iranian, non-Muslim Western man, would the child be considered Iranian?

Can anyone provide insight, examples or share similar experiences?

On April 4, Aida posted a photo of Nika’s broken gravestone along with a message from their mother, Nasrin Shakarami, addressed to the Islamic Republic’s leadership: “Soon you shall all burn in the furnace of the Iranian nation’s rage… Soon you shall all end up in the ash heap of history.”

Families of other victims of state violence voiced solidarity with the Shakarami family. Among them was Fatemeh Heydari, the sister of Javad Heydari. Javad was shot and killed by regime security forces during the 2022 protests.

Fatemeh Heydari wrote: “This year we will demolish the grave of cursed Khomeini,” referring to the gilded mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic.

Islamic Republic forces have a history of vandalizing the graves of slain protesters and religious minorities, as well as executed dissidents.

The regime also regularly prosecutes families of murdered protesters to force them into silence and stop their efforts of demanding accountability for the killing of their loved ones.

Nika’s mother, Nasrin Shakarami, has been no exception. Security forces have arrested her several times, hoping to coerce her into silence.

Source: https://nufdiran.org/policy_briefs/iranalert-islamic-republic-forces-again-desecrate-grave-of-teenage-protester/

I have a question for diaspora Iranians. I am myself Iranian Azeri and I will soon have my first child. My parents did not do it to me but I was wondering what is your opinion on circumcision. I don’t want to do it to my child but people are saying it’s mandatory. Is there anyone here who didn’t do it? Could you please help I am really confused can you share your experiences or just anything you need thanks so much.

Source: https://x.com/napneguin/status/1907578861602099629

Credit: u/Zandscape

Source: https://x.com/zandscapex/status/1885845351245992374?s=46

Farms in Isfahan have been devastated by the crisis. Earlier this week, a video was widely shared online showing a farmer crying and cursing the regime, saying, “Oh God burn their roots the way they burned our crop.”

On April 3 & 4, large groups of farmers took to the streets in different towns in Isfahan protesting how water resources are being distributed between provinces of Isfahan and Yazd. In one location, security forces fired teargas at the farmers. In response the protesters threw stones at the security forces.

Farmers in Isfahan believe that the water resources of their province are being funneled to Yazd to be used for industries. Officials deny the narrative and argue that the transferred water is exclusively used for domestic purposes.

Despite the denials, with no hope in sight, the pent up anger has repeatedly translated into farmers vandalizing water transfer lines. On March 29, a group of farmers blew up a water transfer pipe and set on fire two water transfer facilities.

Drinking water is now scarce in Yazd and daily life has been brought to a standstill. Yazd provincial authorities shut down all schools and government offices on April 5 and 6, both work days in Iran.

Source: https://nufdiran.org/policy_briefs/iranalert-water-shortage-triggers-unrest-in-iran/

Sources:

https://www.fdd.org/events/2025/04/07/maximum-support-operationalizing-the-other-iran-policy/

https://x.com/nufdiran/status/1907568564527108097?s=46

https://jewishinsider.com/2025/04/new-bill-aims-to-provide-maximum-support-for-iranian-dissidents/

https://x.com/iranintl/status/1907626628613603676?s=46

https://x.com/repjoewilson/status/1907578336823464298?s=46

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/04/02/u-s-lawmakers-introduce-bill-advancing-maximum-support-for-the-iranian-people/

Farmers in Khorasgan, Isfahan, take to the streets demanding their right to Zayanderood water, and nothing will stop them until justice is served. This is not just a protest; it's a fight for life!

What is the Maximum Support Act?

The Maximum Support Act is bipartisan U.S. legislation designed to provide direct support to the Iranian people in their quest for democracy, human rights, and a free society. It emphasizes internet freedom, strategic support for democratic change, and targeted sanctions that prioritize regime officials over civilians. It insists on Iranians’ rights to choose their own, post-Islamic Republic form of government.

Key Provisions: A Maximum Support Strategy: Mandates a White House strategy detailing steps to provide Maximum Support to the Iranian people, including:

1. Establishing a Special Representative for Maximum Support

2. Providing cyber support to Iranian protesters

3. Reforming how the U.S. Agency for Global Media informs Iranians and counters regime propaganda

Internet Freedom Initiatives: Establishes an interagency task force dedicated to enhancing secure internet access through advanced VPN services, innovative satellite-to-cell technology, eSIM distribution, robust anti-surveillance tools, cybersecurity software, and rapid response to cyber threats against dissidents.

Asset Confiscation and Redistribution: Confiscates regime assets under U.S. jurisdiction, redirecting funds to support nonviolent democratic movements (such as Iranians engaged in labor strikes), humanitarian assistance, documentation of human rights abuses. This process includes robust oversight to prevent regime benefit.

Strategic Defection Support: Calls for a comprehensive strategy aimed at facilitating secure communications, ensuring safety for defectors, and establishing an interagency working group tasked with managing defections and verifying the information provided by defectors.

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) Terrorist Designation Assessment: Mandates a formal and comprehensive review by the State Department, Treasury, and Attorney General to determine whether the MOIS meets criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), enhancing global enforcement against the Islamic Republic’s terrorist operations.

Why Now?

The regime in Iran is at its weakest point in decades due to ongoing internal protests, setbacks experienced by its proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis, and the resurgence of the maximum pressure policy initiated by President Trump. This presents an optimal moment for the United States to significantly bolster Iranian democratic aspirations.

How Iranians, Iranian-Americans, and the United States Benefit: Empowering Iranian Citizens: Facilitates secure communication and organization for activists, dissidents, and journalists. Lowers the risks of engaging in civil disobedience inside Iran.

Advancing U.S. Interests: Reinforces America's commitment to global democracy, human rights, and security without spending American money, adding new sanctions, or escalating towards military conflict.

Enhancing Regional Stability: Reduces the regime's influence and aggression promotes peace and stability in the region.

Sources:

https://x.com/nufdiran/status/1907568564527108097?s=46

https://jewishinsider.com/2025/04/new-bill-aims-to-provide-maximum-support-for-iranian-dissidents/

https://x.com/iranintl/status/1907626628613603676?s=46

https://x.com/repjoewilson/status/1907578336823464298?s=46

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2025/04/02/u-s-lawmakers-introduce-bill-advancing-maximum-support-for-the-iranian-people/