Dear Yascha,

As Iranians, we are writing to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding an article published in Persuasion on March 14th, authored by Mariam Memarsadeghi.

The article titled “Why Iran’s Woman Life Freedom Revolution Failed” not only contains factually incorrect information but also makes many serious accusations without any proof or evidence. The author claims that the advisors of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi have advocated for "retributive violence, summary executions, [and] the purging of leftists". These baseless claims are far from reality and we are disappointed to see that no fact-checking has taken place by the editors at Persuasion.

Persuasion embraces the nonprofit mission of championing the principles of liberal democracy and persuasion. It serves as a platform where we delight in engaging with thought-provoking pieces by authors like Jonathan Haidt, Greg Lukianoff, John McWhorter, and numerous others who advocate for heterodox thinking. These voices assist individuals, including Iranians like ourselves, in navigating the pitfalls of "identity traps" in our pursuit of democracy.

It is a bitter irony for Persuasion to publish an article that criticizes the Crown Prince of Iran, given that his beliefs and practices closely align with those championed by the magazine.

Over the past four decades, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has continuously advocated for values such as secular democracy, liberalism, and human rights. He has repeatedly stated that the future of the Iranian people can only be decided by themselves through a referendum.

Ever since the beginning of the Woman Life Freedom Revolution, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi and his advisors have actively sought the cooperation of all political figures who are seeking the abolishment of the Islamic Republic Regime (except those whose actions undermine the integrity of Iran and the sovereignty of Iranians.).

Throughout her article, Mariam Memarsadeghi, speaks on behalf of the Iranian People. This is in spite of the fact that the only name that protesters in Iran are calling for is that of the Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. It is our duty to represent the wishes and aspirations of the people of our country honestly and accurately.

It is disappointing to see that the author, instead of seeking to assist the Iranian people in their plight against the Islamic dictatorship, is expending time and energy to wage a war with Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. Quoting herself: "The Islamic Republic is too powerful and too cunning of an opponent to be defeated by an opposition at war with itself".

In accordance with the values upheld by Persuasion, we anticipate that this letter expressing serious concern will be duly considered and reflected in the publication.

Thank you for your attention.

Regards,