Iranian Student Hopeful for Regime Change Despite Bombings

Michigan State University Ph.D. student says family in Iran prepared to 'reclaim the streets' amid attacks on infrastructure.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A solitary figure stands in a dimly lit, abandoned urban street, surrounded by the faint glow of damaged power lines and crumbling buildings. The scene is bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of melancholy and resilience in the face of ongoing conflict.As the conflict in Iran escalates, citizens brace for further attacks on the country's critical infrastructure while holding onto hope for a regime change.Grand Rapids Today

Farzaneh Holasu, an Iranian Ph.D. student at Michigan State University, says her family and friends in Iran are concerned about bombings but remain hopeful for a regime change, even as they face power outages and a crackdown by the Islamic Republic. Holasu says her loved ones are prepared to 'reclaim the streets' in the face of a potential regime change, despite fears that the U.S. could abandon them 'in the middle of the war.'

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict in Iran has significant geopolitical implications, as the U.S. and its allies seek to pressure the Iranian government and support pro-democracy forces. The situation also highlights the personal toll on Iranian citizens caught in the crossfire, as they balance hopes for a better future with the daily realities of living under an authoritarian regime.

The details

Holasu's family and friends in Iran have been cut off from most communication, except for monitored landline phone calls. They are preparing for potential power outages by stockpiling food and other supplies. Despite the hardships, Holasu says her loved ones remain committed to the goal of overthrowing the Islamic Republic, even if it comes at a 'huge price.' President Trump has warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on power plants and bridges, and Holasu says her friends and family are willing to 'reclaim the streets' in the face of a regime change.

  • Just over a month ago, when News 8 checked in with Holasu after the U.S. and Israel launched the attack, she said the news was welcomed.
  • Since the start of 2026, the Islamic Republic has executed 650 people.

The players

Farzaneh Holasu

An Iranian Ph.D. student at Michigan State University whose family and friends in Iran are concerned about bombings but remain hopeful for a regime change.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. president who has warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on power plants and bridges.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We always say that Iran is occupied by the Islamic Republic forces and we need to see them go.”

— Farzaneh Holasu, Iranian Ph.D. student

“For us the biggest threat is the Islamic Republic and we know that we had to pay a very huge price for them to go.”

— Farzaneh Holasu, Iranian Ph.D. student

“They were all scared that the U.S. will leave them alone in the middle of the war and if the Islamic Republic stays, they're really afraid (for) their lives.”

— Farzaneh Holasu, Iranian Ph.D. student

“After President Trump's statements that they will not leave until the war is over and the Islamic Republic is completely eliminated, we are so hopeful.”

— Farzaneh Holasu, Iranian Ph.D. student

What’s next

President Trump has warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on power plants and bridges. The situation in Iran remains fluid, with ongoing concerns about the safety of citizens and the potential for further escalation.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict in Iran highlights the personal toll on citizens caught in the crossfire, as they balance hopes for a better future with the daily realities of living under an authoritarian regime. Despite the hardships, many Iranians remain committed to the goal of overthrowing the Islamic Republic, even if it comes at a heavy price.