NUFDI's Khosro Isfahani on Iran's historic uprising: A fight for secular governance

In a recent interview with Khosro Isfahani, a senior research analyst at the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFDI), he provided valuable insights into the ongoing protests in Iran, which have been ongoing for nearly two weeks.

Originally sparked by a drastic drop in the national currency's value, the protests quickly morphed into a larger movement demanding the end of the Islamic Republic's regime. Isfahani highlighted that Iranians are no longer focused solely on economic grievances, but are now pushing for a secular democracy to replace the current theocratic dictatorship that has ruled for over four decades.

Reflecting on Iran's history of protests, Isfahani emphasized that the 2022 uprising, triggered by the killing of Mahsa Amini, had a lasting impact on the population. This time, however, the protests have become even more organized, with the opposition rallying around Reza Pahlavi, the Crown Prince, as the unifying leader.

Despite harsh crackdowns, including the deaths of 36 individuals and the arrest of over 2,200 people, the protests have spread nationwide, with Iranians displaying resilience in their fight for change.

Isfahani also discussed the international reaction, pointing out that while there has been significant global support, it has often come too late. He stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on the regime and highlighted the innovative ways in which Iranians are circumventing internet censorship, which the regime has increasingly tightened in an effort to suppress protest-related content.

With the situation escalating, the future remains uncertain, but Isfahani's message is clear: the Iranian people are determined to reclaim their country and will continue to fight for their freedom despite facing immense oppression from the regime.