Life in limbo: Iranians abroad struggle with uncertainty as protests grip homeland
For Maya and Daniel, two friends living in exile in the UK, the past six months have been a constant blur. The internet shutdown in Iran on January 8th has left them cut off from their families, unable to hear from loved ones or even know if they are safe.
The nationwide protests that erupted after the collapse of Iran's national currency and widespread demonstrations against government policies have sent shockwaves across the globe. Maya, a graduate student from Tehran, and Daniel, a support worker from Sine in northwestern Iran, have both lost touch with family members on the other side of the conflict.
"My parents are still waiting for news," Maya said, her voice laced with worry. "We haven't heard anything about how they're doing or if they've been arrested." The government's acknowledgment that "several thousand" people have been killed in the unrest has only added to the uncertainty and fear.
As the protests continue, many Iranians abroad are feeling isolated and helpless. Maya spoke of the desperation she witnessed among her fellow citizens before the internet shutdown - families struggling to make ends meet, with inflation rates among the highest in the world. "They're ashamed of not being able to provide for their family," she said. "If they don't die on the streets, they will die from starvation within a year or six months."
Daniel's experience is no different. His father, who has cancer, remains in hiding due to Daniel's own pro-democracy activism. The uncertainty and anxiety are taking a toll on both friends, with many nights spent lying awake, waiting for news of loved ones.
"Day and night are connected for us," Maya said, describing the perpetual sense of waiting that has become her reality. Mornings feel like the continuation of the previous night's wait, as she hopes to hear from her parents or receive news about their well-being.
Daniel echoed this sentiment, his voice breaking with emotion. "I stop everything when I try to call Iran," he said, struggling to find the words. "Life is up to me, and my job is going very badly... Every time I sleep, I have a very bad dream, and yeah, everything is very bad."
The friends' uncertainty reflects the dire situation on the ground in Iran. The economic crisis has created an environment ripe for chaos, with factions vying for power both domestically and internationally.
In this toxic mix, Maya said, "Current events are like a fever... Revolution is like a fever which burns even after revolution... Only the more powerful or brutal one will survive."
For Maya and Daniel, their only hope is that the government falls, bringing an end to the violence and uncertainty. But as they look to the future, it's clear that the road ahead will be long and fraught with danger.
For Maya and Daniel, two friends living in exile in the UK, the past six months have been a constant blur. The internet shutdown in Iran on January 8th has left them cut off from their families, unable to hear from loved ones or even know if they are safe.
The nationwide protests that erupted after the collapse of Iran's national currency and widespread demonstrations against government policies have sent shockwaves across the globe. Maya, a graduate student from Tehran, and Daniel, a support worker from Sine in northwestern Iran, have both lost touch with family members on the other side of the conflict.
"My parents are still waiting for news," Maya said, her voice laced with worry. "We haven't heard anything about how they're doing or if they've been arrested." The government's acknowledgment that "several thousand" people have been killed in the unrest has only added to the uncertainty and fear.
As the protests continue, many Iranians abroad are feeling isolated and helpless. Maya spoke of the desperation she witnessed among her fellow citizens before the internet shutdown - families struggling to make ends meet, with inflation rates among the highest in the world. "They're ashamed of not being able to provide for their family," she said. "If they don't die on the streets, they will die from starvation within a year or six months."
Daniel's experience is no different. His father, who has cancer, remains in hiding due to Daniel's own pro-democracy activism. The uncertainty and anxiety are taking a toll on both friends, with many nights spent lying awake, waiting for news of loved ones.
"Day and night are connected for us," Maya said, describing the perpetual sense of waiting that has become her reality. Mornings feel like the continuation of the previous night's wait, as she hopes to hear from her parents or receive news about their well-being.
Daniel echoed this sentiment, his voice breaking with emotion. "I stop everything when I try to call Iran," he said, struggling to find the words. "Life is up to me, and my job is going very badly... Every time I sleep, I have a very bad dream, and yeah, everything is very bad."
The friends' uncertainty reflects the dire situation on the ground in Iran. The economic crisis has created an environment ripe for chaos, with factions vying for power both domestically and internationally.
In this toxic mix, Maya said, "Current events are like a fever... Revolution is like a fever which burns even after revolution... Only the more powerful or brutal one will survive."
For Maya and Daniel, their only hope is that the government falls, bringing an end to the violence and uncertainty. But as they look to the future, it's clear that the road ahead will be long and fraught with danger.
they're literally living in limbo with no idea if their loved ones are safe or not... like what kinda uncertainty can a person handle? 
and the economic crisis is making it so bad for them already, just imagine having to deal with all that on top of protesting for democracy 
but honestly i think the only way they'll feel relief is when the gov falls and things get sorted out 
can't imagine how tough this must be for them 
and can you believe how many people have been killed already? "several thousand"??! 
these protests need to be taken seriously and something needs to be done to bring an end to this chaos ASAP 
Maya & Daniel's story is so heartbreaking... it's like being in limbo 24/7 
It's like, ppl are literally struggling to survive 
It's heartbreaking 2 think about.
& Maya's parents just don't know if they're safe or what's happening 2 them 
"several thousand" people killed? 
Maya and Daniel's stories are a harsh reminder of the human cost of protests and government policies gone wrong 
It's like they're living in a perpetual limbo, unsure if they'll ever be able to return home or reconnect with the people they love 
I just saw this thread and it's breaking my heart... These ppl are suffering so much over there. My friend's cousin is from Iran and he's been trying to reach his family for months now but the internet is still down. It's like they're living in a ghost town. 
We can't just sit back and do nothing while they're fighting for their rights.
. Like, did u know that Iran's internet shutdown is NOT just a coincidence? It's a gov't tactic 2 silence dissidents & stifle free speech 
. And what about the reports of torture & arbitrary arrest? 
. It's time 4 a more nuanced discussion 
.
this situation in iran is just heartbreaking my heart goes out to all those people suffering 
i feel like we're living in a sci-fi movie where countries can shut down the internet like that 
what's next? 
anyway, as a tech enthusiast, i'm more concerned about how people are coping with this uncertainty 
have you guys used any messaging apps or social media platforms to stay connected with loved ones who are going through this? 
. The fact that they're worried sick about their parents' safety and well-being, not knowing if they've been arrested or killed, is heartbreaking 
. It's like living in a constant state of uncertainty, where every day feels like the previous night's wait 
People all over the world have to deal with uncertainty and anxiety about loved ones, especially during conflicts. It's not just Iran - it's a global issue.