Iranian ODU Students Hopeful for Peaceful Future After US Actions

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Two Iranian students at Old Dominion University, Elham and Abed, have shared their personal experiences of living under what they describe as a brutal regime in Iran. They say their families have endured decades of hardship and oppression, with Elham recalling being punished as a teenager for not properly wearing the government-mandated hijab. The students organized a vigil on campus after reports that thousands of Iranians were killed during unrest. Despite their hope for change, they worry that remnants of the current leadership could create instability or retaliation during any transition of power.

Why it matters

The experiences of these Iranian students in Hampton Roads shed light on the harsh realities faced by many Iranians under the former regime, and their hopes for a more peaceful future amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US. Their stories highlight the human toll of political upheaval and the desire for basic freedoms.

The details

Elham, a Ph.D. student at ODU, moved to the US five years ago to escape what she describes as harsh and oppressive conditions in Iran. She recalled being beaten in the street by police for failing to properly cover her hair. Her partner, Abed, also an ODU Ph.D. student, said the couple helped organize a vigil on campus after reports that thousands of Iranians were killed during unrest. Abed said his family members in Iran expressed relief at reports that the country's supreme leader had been killed, as they were "so hopeless" and "waiting for President Trump and American troops to attack".

• Elham moved to the US 5 years ago.
• The couple organized a vigil on campus in mid-January.

What they’re saying