An Iranian dissident, risking his life, has reached out to Israeli public media, speaking fluent Hebrew to deliver a powerful message. Known only by the pseudonym “Raban,” he revealed that Iranians hoping to overthrow the current Islamic Republic are desperately awaiting air support from the United States and Israel. This external help, he believes, would enable a decisive ground rebellion against the oppressive regime. For Raban, ties with Israelis are a “red line” for the authorities, making his broadcast a courageous act of defiance.
He highlighted the brutal crackdown last month, which saw an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 Iranians killed – a trauma he called the greatest in his nation’s history. “We never cried so hard in our lives,” he shared. Yet, this horrific event, far from crushing spirits, has only solidified the resolve of the opposition. As he put it, once you’re in the middle of a river, soaking wet, there’s no way back; you must keep moving forward. The dissidents are ready to take to the streets again as soon as air attacks begin.
Despite previous disappointments, especially concerning US-Iran negotiations, the movement is reigniting, with significant protests recently erupting on university campuses – the largest since the crackdown. Raban asserts that the Iranian people and Israel are natural allies against a shared, oppressive enemy. He even claimed many Iranians celebrated past Israeli strikes against the regime, offering crucial information and support. The message is clear: the fight for freedom from within Iran needs international partnership to build a force against what he calls “a force of death.”
