“A Personal Cost for Freedom”: Iranian-American Opposition Supporter in Washington Speaks About Family Sacrifice and Hope for a Free Iran

By Amr Gohar

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  As political developments surrounding Iran continue to draw attention around the world, members of the Iranian diaspora gathered in Washington to express their hopes for democratic change in their homeland. Among them was Glenn Torchesi, an Iranian-American supporter of the Iranian opposition who spoke openly about the personal sacrifices his family has endured during decades of political struggle.

During an interview in the nation’s capital, Torchesi shared his perspective on the future of Iran and reflected on the emotional weight carried by many Iranians living abroad. For him, the fight for political change is deeply personal. He lost three brothers who opposed the Iranian regime and says their sacrifices remain a powerful reminder of the cost many families have paid in the pursuit of freedom.

Torchesi said he believes Iran is entering a critical moment that could shape the country’s future for generations. He emphasized that many members of the Iranian community abroad are closely watching events unfolding inside the country while hoping for a peaceful transition toward democracy.

At the same time, the possibility of returning home remains a deeply emotional subject for many expatriates who have been unable to visit their families for years. For Torchesi, the idea of one day walking again in his homeland and reconnecting with relatives still living in Iran is a dream that represents both closure and hope.

Amr Gohar: Can you please introduce yourself?

Glenn Torchesi:
My name is Glenn Torchesi.

Amr Gohar: What are you doing here today?

Glenn Torchesi:
I’m here to celebrate the freedom of Iran because the regime is gone, and we need to think about the next step. The next step is a transitional government that Mrs. Maryam Rajavi has introduced through her ten-point plan for the future of Iran.

Amr Gohar: Do you still have family in Iran?

Glenn Torchesi:
Yes, of course. I have a lot of family there—cousins and sisters—and I also lost three brothers who fought against the regime: Behruz, Bahman, and Reza. Today is very emotional for me because of them.

Amr Gohar: There are reports of developments happening on the ground. How do you feel about the moment we are witnessing?

Glenn Torchesi:
From the first days of the revolution, when they introduced what they called a constitution, my brothers were demonstrating against it. They understood that it would lead to tyranny and dictatorship. I believe they would be very happy today because fundamentalism has been the root of many problems in the Middle East. With Khamenei gone and the regime hopefully ending soon, we could see a better Middle East.

Amr Gohar: When was the last time you visited Iran?

Glenn Torchesi:
It was a long time ago.

Amr Gohar: If the regime completely falls, would you go back quickly?

Glenn Torchesi:
Yes. Iran is my home. I have lost many relatives that I wished I could have seen one last time, but I couldn’t. I hope that one day I can return to Iran to visit my country, my relatives, my cousins, and my sisters.

For Glenn Torchesi, the story of Iran’s future is inseparable from the story of his family. The loss of his brothers, who opposed the regime decades ago, continues to shape how he views the struggle for freedom today.

Standing in Washington, he expressed hope that change inside Iran could eventually allow millions of Iranians living abroad to reconnect with their homeland. His message was not only political but deeply personal—carrying a wish for peace, freedom, and safety for the family members he still has back home.