On September 1, President Trump asked a question that deserves a direct answer: “When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?”

Mr. President, the Iranian people have been fighting for 47 years. They never stopped.

Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iranians have risen against a regime that seized their country, destroyed their freedoms, persecuted religious minorities, imprisoned opponents, and used terror, torture, and executions to stay in power. What has changed is not their courage. What has changed is whether the world chooses to hear them.

They have filled the streets and paid an enormous price. Western governments have looked away, choosing negotiations or convenience over standing with them. For decades, Iranians have fought alone. These are only some of the chapters.

1981–1982: The Reign of Terror

In the early years of the Islamic Republic, the regime launched a brutal campaign against political opponents and religious and ethnic minorities. Thousands were arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and executed as the clerics consolidated power. Christians, Baha’is, political opponents, Kurds, Baluchis, and others were persecuted. Anyone who challenged the regime could become a target.

1988: The Prison Massacres

Following an order from Ayatollah Khomeini, thousands of prisoners were executed over several months. Victims were buried in secret mass graves. Families were denied information. The world moved on.

1999: The Student Uprising

In July 1999, students rose after the closure of the reformist newspaper “Salam.” I witnessed Basij members chase students, beat them, throw people from buildings, and shoot in the streets. I watched from my rooftop. That crackdown defined my generation. I will never forget those days, or how quickly the world forgot them.

2009: The Green Movement

After the disputed presidential election, millions marched peacefully. I witnessed........

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