The Iranian Students Association organized a protest of over 130 people Tuesday evening on East University Drive to show solidarity with the people of Iran.
Protesters waved Iranian and American flags, held signs and shouted chants that included "USA Act Now."
AmirDanial Azimi, president of ISA and a doctoral student studying biological design, said he organized the protest alongside people inside and outside ASU to bring together Iranians who were "upset and angry" about current events in the country.
"It's just sad to see that this government, this Islamic republic, doesn't have the interest of its own people, and the only interest it has is murder," Azimi said.
Tensions have mounted in Iran since December, with anti-government protests leading to over 2,500 people killed and a shutdown of communications, according to the Associated Press.
Azimi said he feels "embarrassed" to say he is Iranian because of the actions of the nation's government, and is grateful people are coming together to support the Iranian community.
"Everyone is trying to do their best to contribute," Azimi said.
Students, faculty members and families from the local community attended the protest. ASU professor Amin Mojiri delivered a speech at the end of the protest.
"We Iranians living abroad are the voice of our brothers and sisters inside Iran," Mojiri said. "We call on the international community and the free media. Break your silence. Break your silence. Don't let the truth be buried."
Parvin Sardari, a freshman studying political science, said the Tuesday demonstration was the second Iran-related protest she has attended. Because her parents came to the U.S. in 2002 as Iranian refugees, it's an issue of personal importance.
Sardari said she saw previous protests at the University against women's and human rights abuses in Iran when she was a sophomore in high school.
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"It's just crazy that we're still here, but I'm very proud that we're still fighting," Sardari said.
Over winter break, Sardari and her mother traveled to Iran. She said people were "silently protesting," with women riding motorcycles and foregoing head coverings.
Demonstrations have progressed since then, she said.
"What I saw in videos before video access got shut down was a revolution," Sardari said. "That was past the protest phase."
Sardari said she hopes the Iranian people will stand together and obtain similar liberties and resources as those found in the U.S.
Azimi said the Students Supporting Israel at ASU organization reached out to promote and attend the protest to support ISA.
"We're really thankful for them, for their support, for their solidarity," Azimi said. "It's a very uniting experience, and everyone is trying to (take) a stance that you can't violate people's rights anywhere in the world."
Hana Dolgin, president of SSI and a senior studying pharmacology and toxicology, attended the protest to show solidarity with the Iranian community.
"No matter what happens in the world, (we) just want them to know that we're always here for them," Dolgin said. "We stand with them, and we want to help them in any way possible."
READ MORE: Iranian students join global protest, call on ASU for more support
Hessam Rahimian, a local automotive executive, was one of the organizers of the protest. He has led other demonstrations in the past, including the protests Sadari recalled.
Rahimian said he is an Iranian who escaped the nation 35 years ago and tries to advocate for those living in Iran.
"I have done whatever I can in my power to raise awareness, because I believe at this point I need to be the voice, we need to be the voice, the media needs to be the voice of the Iranians that are in the street," Rahimian said.
Rahimian said he was overwhelmed and brought to tears by the support for the Iranian population from the University community.
"We're all together, and we all want the best for the people of the world," Rahimian said. "I'm a firm believer that one day, hopefully, there will be no borders. It will be one world, one planet, one people."
Edited by Carsten Oyer, Senna James, Emilio Alvarado, Sophia Braccio and Pippa Fung.
Reach the reporters at kagore1@asu.edu and apruiz@asu.edu and follow @kategore_17 and @andiruiz2405 on X.
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Kate Gore is the Science and Tech Desk editor, ensuring accurate coverage of the scientific endeavors completed by ASU faculty and students and their impact on the broader community. She is beginning her second year on staff at The State Press. She previously worked as a Community and Culture Reporter, shining light on important events and happenings around campus.
Andi Ruiz is a politics reporter at the State Press dedicated to serving her community with truth and honesty in her reporting. She has been working in broadcast and news since high school and was recently an anchor at The Cut Network during her first year at Cronkite. She is going into her second year at ASU as a Barrett Honors student studying journalism and mass communication with a minor in political science.
