As protests continue across Iran, reports from inside the country reveal a nation that has reached a breaking point. In an interview with Dutch broadcaster Family7, Farshid Seyed Mehdi of Transform Iran described an unprecedented uprising – one driven not by isolated political grievances, but by widespread economic collapse, long-standing repression, and growing rejection of the Islamic Republic.

A Nationwide Protest Fueled by Economic Collapse

Unlike previous protests in Iran, Mehdi explained that the current demonstrations are not limited to specific regions or groups. Instead, they reflect a nationwide response to soaring inflation, currency collapse, and daily hardship.

This protest is coming from the entire country. Life has become so difficult that people can no longer tolerate it. The people see clearly that this regime does not care about them. They are focused on terrorist activities outside the country, not on their own people.

As the Iranian rial continues to lose value, many citizens can no longer afford basic necessities, which is pushing families beyond survival.

A Recognized Leader and a Powerful Symbol

For the first time in years, the protest movement has rallied around a widely recognized leader: Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s former Shah. Mehdi said:

He is respected and accepted by the people to lead this movement.

Protesters have also revived Iran’s pre-Islamic Republic national flag, a symbol increasingly visible at demonstrations inside Iran and among the diaspora. “This is the original flag of Iran,” Mehdi explained. “People reject the ideology imposed by the Islamic Republic. They want a new future.”

Regime Violence No Longer Hidden

Mehdi emphasized that the Iranian regime’s violence is not new; it has defined the system for nearly five decades. He said, “This regime has been violent for almost 47 years. It kills people very easily.”

What has changed is global visibility.

“The violence can no longer be covered up. Now the whole world can see it.” Reports describe security forces firing directly at protesters, including the use of rooftop snipers targeting crowds – tactics designed to terrorize citizens into silence.

But Mehdi says these fear tactics are no longer effective.

People have already lost everything. They have nothing left to lose.

Ideology Prioritized Over Human Life

According to Mehdi, the root of Iran’s suffering lies in a radical theology that values ideological expansion above human life.

Billions of dollars were poured into weapons programs and foreign conflicts, while ordinary Iranians were left in poverty.

For them, human life isn’t worth anything. Their highest goal is spreading their ideology and destroying Israel. All the wealth of the country was spent, and the people have been left with nothing.

Christians and Minorities Face Ongoing Persecution

Mehdi also highlighted Iran’s long-standing persecution of Christians and other minorities, calling Iran one of the most dangerous countries in the world for believers. “Christians are being abused in this country,” he said.

Educated professionals who warned the regime about water shortages, electricity failures, and environmental collapse were imprisoned or executed rather than listened to.

Instead of receiving wise counsel, they threw those people in prison.

Is the Regime Weakening?

Mehdi believes recent international actions, particularly by Israel and the United States, have exposed the regime’s vulnerability.

This regime isn’t as strong as it appears. But if action is not taken now, more people will die.

He welcomed growing calls to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, which would limit the regime’s ability to operate globally.

A Nation Demanding Freedom

While Mehdi would not give a timeline for the regime’s collapse, his conclusion was clear.

This ideology is destroying the country and its people. And it has no regard for humanity.

As protests continue across Iran, millions of citizens are sending an unmistakable message: they want freedom, dignity, and a future beyond fear.

Stand with the People of Iran

The people of Iran are risking everything for freedom, and many believers are paying a high price for their faith.

Transform Iran works to bring the gospel and humanitarian aid to the Iranian people, and to support, equip and strengthen Iran’s underground church.

• Sign up for monthly updates, testimonies and prayer alerts to stay informed about what’s happening inside Iran.
• Pray for the Iranian people and for Christians in Iran, for protection, courage, and lasting change.
• Support Transform Iran to help bring practical aid and hope where it is needed most.

Interview originally published on: Family7