It is now week two of the U.S.-Israel-Iran war. 

Tensions have heightened as governments increase military readiness and mobilization, and effects are reverberating across the Middle East and globally. Oil prices have surged amidst the conflict as energy markets are disrupted through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Iranian Students’ and Scholars’ Association (ISSA) and others protested in front of Parks Library on March 6 to show their support for Iran.

“We gathered to protest on Friday to express our deep gratitude to the United States for its support of the Iranian people through military intervention — specifically for targeting the Islamic Republic’s military forces and the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps],” Alireza Behari, a protestor and graduate student majoring in industrial design and human-computer interaction, said. “We also came to show our empathy for the American casualties. Our Iranian hearts are with their families, and we honor their sacrifices.”

Seven U.S. service members have been killed in the war with Iran, with about 140 wounded, since U.S.-Israel missile strikes launched across Iran Feb. 28 in an effort to target the regime’s military infrastructure, nuclear facilities and leadership. 

Behari further explained the focus of the ISSA’s demonstration. 

“We also came to make clear why we support this intervention: the Islamic Republic is a dangerous, terrorist regime,” Behari said. “It has been developing nuclear facilities and ballistic missiles that pose a direct threat to the United States, Western nations, and neighboring countries.”

During the wave of strikes in Iran, the supreme leader since 1989, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed, along with many other Iranian officials. The former supreme leader’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was appointed as his successor on March 9. 

Behari said the ISSA had hoped for a regime change that showed a democratic transformation in Iran. 

“Iran is a nation of multiple ethnic groups, yet throughout our long history, we have always stood together,” Behari said. “We wanted the world to see that unity, and to make clear that we seek regime change. People from all ethnic backgrounds united behind [former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi] as a symbol of free Iran and as a credible alternative transitional leader to the current regime. His transition plan includes holding free elections so that the Iranian people themselves can determine the future of their country.”

Behari stressed how Iranian students are concerned about their families back home as Iran carried out its second internet blackout this year.

“We also wanted to draw attention to the fact that the regime has, once again, imposed a complete internet blackout during a critical moment, cutting people off from each other when they need communication most,” Behari said. “It has become difficult to reach our families. In many cases, a brief phone call is the only contact possible… We deeply understand the pain of losing loved ones, and our hearts go out to every family affected.”

Iran responded by launching attacks on Israel and U.S.-allied states, like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and more in the Persian Gulf region. 

Bahari shared how he believes this reflects the disconnect between the Iranian regime and the people living under it.

“A regime that kills its own citizens for protesting will not hesitate to threaten or attack other nations if given the chance,” Bahari said. “As we can see today, it is already attacking and destabilizing the region. These actions make clear that this regime is not legitimate and does not represent the Iranian people. That is why we stand on the front lines, fighting to end this terrorist regime.”

Behari said many Iranians have risked their safety to protest despite strict control of information and narratives surrounding the conflict and Iranian government. 

“The regime’s propaganda works hard to distort the reality of what Iranians want,” Behari said. “But, the people have put their lives on the line, standing in front of bullets, to demand regime change.”

The Iranian Revolution, which occured from 1978 to 1979 transformed Iran into a theocratic state and led to the formation of the Islamic Republic. Iran’s international relationships have changed since then.

“When that balance shifts, people will be able to return to the streets and reclaim their country,” Behari said. “Once the regime falls, Iran can become a peaceful nation again, and that peace will contribute to stability across the entire Middle East and a safer world. Iran will once again be a friend and ally to the United States, as it was 47 years ago.”

The ISSA as well as Behari urges Ames and the world to continue to support Iran during this time. 

“Continued pressure on the regime’s forces, the same forces that have massacred innocent people, is essential to restoring the balance of power and giving Iranians the chance to reclaim their country,” Behari said. “If this support stops too soon, it risks inviting more massacres and chaos. That is why continued support is not just important, it is necessary.”

To learn more about the ISSA, visit their student organization webpage here.