PAAIA on the December 2025 Protests in Iran

The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) stands with the people of Iran as protests, sparked by severe economic hardship—including soaring inflation and a collapsing currency—spread from Tehran to cities across the country. What began as frustration over worsening living conditions has grown into broader calls for freedom and democratic change, even as security forces escalate violence against peaceful demonstrators.

PAAIA underscores the critical importance of distinguishing the Iranian people from the Iranian regime and condemns the use of force against citizens exercising their fundamental rights, including the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly. We remain committed to supporting the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people by advocating for expanded access to an open and uncensored internet—a vital tool for communication and documentation during government repression. This commitment is reflected in PAAIA’s leadership as one of the leading advocates for the bipartisan FREEDOM Act, the IRAN Act, the Iran Internet Freedom Act, and the MAHSA Act—measures that expand internet freedom and promote accountability for human rights violators.”

PAAIA urges U.S. policymakers to continue advancing measures that expand digital freedom, protect human rights, and amplify the voices of the Iranian people risking their safety for a just and democratic future.