Seventeen days have passed since the attacks on Iran launched on February 28 by Israel and the United States. While anti-regime protests have been overshadowed by regional military and political tensions, questions remain about what the future holds for the people of Iran.

 

At the same time, discussions about the country’s political future continue, and many observers say a new chapter may be opening regarding the role of women, who have demonstrated strong resistance in recent years.

 

FROM IRAN TO TURKEY AND THEN TO GERMANY

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh was born and raised in Tehran and is originally of Azerbaijani background from Tabriz. After studying at university in Tehran and working as a journalist, she faced threats because of her reporting on the Iranian government.

 

Like many Iranian journalists, she eventually left the country after the pressure made it impossible to continue her work. After living for three years in Izmir, she moved to Germany with her husband and daughter. She now works with Persian-language media outlets that are critical of the Iranian government.

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh said she has received numerous threats due to her journalism during her 25-year career.

 

AMPLIFYING THE VOICES OF IRANIAN PEOPLE

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh also said that through the human rights platform “Dadban,” they try to amplify the voices of people inside Iran. “People facing political charges in Iran contact us whenever they can and ask us to raise awareness about their cases,” she said.

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh stated that they cooperate with lawyers to provide support and solidarity for those facing prosecution or harsh prison sentences, including people who have received long-term sentences or even death penalties. “As a journalist living in exile, I try to continue standing with my people,” she said.

 

‘IT HAS BECOME HARDER TO RECEIVE NEWS FROM IRAN’

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh said communication with people inside Iran has become extremely difficult due to the ongoing conflict and restrictions on internet access. She said: “There is almost no internet in Iran. It is very difficult for people to send messages. We are trying to receive information through consulates.”

 

She also stressed that during 12 days of protests, more than 5,000 people were killed, though the exact number remains unclear and said: “We do not even know how many bodies were returned to families. We are all crying because the pain continues.”

 

‘IRANIANS ARE LIVING IN A HUGE PRISON’

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh said most of her family remains in Iran and that she receives only limited information from them: “Iran is a beautiful country, and we never wanted war. But the Islamic regime has fought with the entire world — and most importantly with its own people.”

 

She stated that prisons in Iran are overcrowded and living conditions in the country have worsened and added: “There is a shortage of food, people are hungry, and families cannot receive information about relatives who have been imprisoned.”

 

‘IRAN’S WEALTH IS NOT USED FOR THE PEOPLE’

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh, who has worked extensively as an economic journalist, said the economic situation in Iran continues to deteriorate. “People tell us they are living in poverty. Prices are rising every day and many people cannot work because of the conditions in the country,” she said.

 

She added that internet shutdowns and ongoing bombardments have made earning money even more difficult. Leila Kari Khamaneh said: “Iran is a wealthy country with significant resources, but the regime does not use this wealth for the people. Instead, it spends it on weapons.”

 

‘WE NO LONGER CRY — WE DANCE’

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh said the Iranian government’s repression is particularly directed at women: “The Iranian people have a major enemy — the government itself. We want freedom and a normal life, but the government has banned everything.”

 

Stating that the government especially fears women who have taken a leading role in protests. Leila Kari Khamaneh said: “In some cases, mothers even have to pay the government to receive the bodies of their children. And when they receive them, they dance.” 

 

She explained that dancing has become a form of resistance: “In our country, dancing can be a way of expressing grief and rebellion. The government wants us to cry, but we refuse. Even if we are deeply sad, we no longer mourn.”

 

WOMEN’S RESISTANCE HAS SHAKEN THE REGIME

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh said the killing of Mahsa Amini marked a turning point in Iran: “After Jina Amini was killed, Iran changed. Women risked their lives to oppose compulsory headscarf laws.”

 

According to her, the regime responded by increasing repression against women, including arrests and house raids. “Living in Iran has become extremely difficult, but I believe the clerical regime will eventually come to an end,” she said.

 

‘THE IRANIAN PEOPLE WANT DEMOCRACY’

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh said many Iranians want the current regime to step down and that several possible political scenarios are being discussed.

 

One possibility, she said, is that the country’s Supreme Leader could leave power and a democratic leadership could emerge. Another scenario would involve the appointment of a new leader from outside the country, while a third possibility is the emergence of a leader supported by the United States. Some groups support Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former monarch, though opinions remain divided. “The Iranian people want a democratic system,” she said.

 

Leila Kari Khamaneh concluded by saying her greatest hope is a future where Iranian women can live freely: “Iranian women are very brave and play a leading role in the struggle. They should continue. I believe better days will come.”

 

MA / Necla Demir Arvas