My grandfather narrowly avoided death under the Iranian regime. But I am not celebrating Trump’s illegal war | Anonymous
An Australian-Iranian recounts his family’s 1980 flight from Iran, the death of Ayatollah Khamenei and the looming civilian toll of Donald Trump’s recent bombing campaign. He urges restraint, highlighting the trauma of the diaspora and the need for peace.
In 1980, a night in Tehran turned into a narrow escape for one family. An anonymous warning told the grandfather of the writer that the newly‑formed Islamic Republic wanted him dead. That evening he, his wife and their 15‑year‑old daughter boarded a last‑minute flight to London with a forged passport, leaving behind a country that would soon become a regime known for mass executions, torture and relentless propaganda.
From exile to a new life in Australia
After three years of uncertain asylum status in London, the family secured a visa to Australia. Settling in Sydney, they rebuilt their lives, joining a growing community of Iranian refugees who carried the trauma of forced migration but also the hope of safety and opportunity. Their story mirrors the experiences of hundreds of thousands who fled Iran during the early years of the Islamic Republic, seeking freedom from a government that would later claim the lives of an estimated 30,000 protesters.
Khamenei’s death and the mixed reactions worldwide
On June 3, 2024, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, died. For many Iranians and observers abroad, the news sparked celebrations. Khamenei had presided over a regime responsible for state‑sanctioned killings, a crippled economy, severe water shortages and a systematic crackdown on dissent. The writer, an Australian‑Iranian journalist, notes that while the death of a dictator is not a tragedy, the celebratory mood masks a deeper concern: the potential for further civilian suffering.
Across Australia, Iran and the diaspora, people expressed relief and hope for change. Yet the writer warns that the enthusiasm for regime change could be hijacked by external forces, particularly the United States, whose recent bombing campaign threatens to add another layer of devastation to an already battered population.
Trump’s illegal war and the risk to civilians
On a Saturday in early June, former President Donald Trump announced a “call to arms” for Iranians, urging them to rise against the regime while the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iranian targets. The announcement echoed the rhetoric of the 2003 Iraq invasion, where a high‑profile address was paired with a sudden military assault. The writer argues that encouraging a populace already living under bomb shelters and a repressive state to take up arms while foreign bombs fall is both morally untenable and strategically reckless.
Iranians endure daily threats: limited bomb shelters, a government that restricts movement, and now, the added danger of foreign missiles. The writer’s own attempts to contact family in Tehran via WhatsApp often go unanswered as explosions rock major cities. The humanitarian cost—civilians killed, infrastructure destroyed, medical services overwhelmed—could eclipse any political objective.
Life under the Islamic Republic: symbols, scarcity and yearning
During a 2019 visit, the journalist observed the omnipresence of state symbolism: highways lined with massive flags bearing portraits of war martyrs, towering images of the Ayatollah on building facades, and portraits hanging in private homes. These visual cues reinforce a narrative of sacrifice and loyalty, even as the country faces severe water scarcity, a collapsing economy and a travel ban that leaves many young Iranians unable to obtain visas abroad.
Conversations with young Iranians revealed a common refrain: a desire for more opportunities and the freedom to leave if they choose. The writer’s second trip at age 22 confirmed that despite oppressive surveillance, Iranian culture remains marked by extraordinary hospitality and generosity—qualities that deserve protection, not destruction.
Calls for restraint and a path forward
The writer does not claim to have a solution for the complex geopolitical puzzle, but urges Western leaders to prioritize civilian lives. He stresses that any intervention must respect Iran’s sovereignty, avoid indiscriminate bombing and be coupled with diplomatic efforts aimed at a sustainable peace. The diaspora, scattered across continents, watches anxiously, hoping that the world will choose dialogue over devastation.
In the meantime, families like his continue to rebuild in safe havens, remembering the night they fled Tehran and the price of freedom. Their story serves as a reminder that while regimes may fall, the human cost of war endures long after headlines fade.
Why it matters
The piece links personal refugee experience with the broader humanitarian impact of US‑led strikes, highlighting why civilian protection matters in any response to Iran’s regime.
Key points
- The writer’s family escaped Iran in 1980 using forged documents and later settled in Australia.
- Ayatollah Khamenei’s death sparked celebrations but also fears of external military action.
- Donald Trump’s recent bombing campaign threatens Iranian civilians and violates sovereignty.
- Iran faces severe water shortages, economic collapse and a travel ban on its youth.
- The diaspora urges restraint, emphasizing the need for diplomatic, not military, solutions.
Frequently asked questions
What prompted the writer’s family to flee Iran in 1980?
An anonymous tip warned that the Islamic Republic wanted the grandfather dead, leading the family to escape on a forged passport.
Why does the writer criticize Trump’s bombing of Iran?
He argues that encouraging Iranians to revolt while foreign bombs fall endangers civilians and undermines sovereignty.
How does Khamenei’s death affect Iranians abroad?
Many see it as the end of a repressive leader, but the writer warns that external attacks could cause greater civilian suffering.
What humanitarian issues does Iran face besides political repression?
Severe water scarcity, a collapsing economy, limited bomb shelters and restrictions on travel for young citizens.
What does the writer hope Western leaders will do?
Prioritize civilian protection, respect Iran’s sovereignty and pursue diplomatic pathways to peace.
