Then vs Now
What the Islamic Republic Stole from Iran
For 45 years, the regime has systematically destroyed what made Iran prosperous. Compare the Iran that was with the Iran they created - a nation stripped of its freedoms, its wealth, and its future.
Prosperity & Progress
Oppression & Destruction
The Evidence Speaks for Itself
The Comparison
See the stark reality of what 45 years of theocratic rule has done to Iran
Freedom
- Free press and independent media — International news agencies (BBC, AP, Reuters) reported freely from Tehran streets during 1979 protests
- Political parties allowed to operate — Multiple parties contested elections, including Nationalists and Socialists
- Women gained voting rights in 1963 — years BEFORE countries like Switzerland (1971) and Liechtenstein (1984)
- Religious minorities protected — Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians held government positions and practiced openly
- No free press, all media state-controlled — No foreign journalists allowed; only Al Jazeera (banned even by Saudi Arabia) sometimes present
- Thousands of political prisoners — 30,000+ arrested in 2026 uprising alone; reporters, activists, students jailed
- Mandatory hijab enforced by morality police — Women arrested for showing hair; pins used to force hijabs onto resisters
- Systematic persecution of minorities — Bahá'ís banned from education, Kurds executed, LGBTQ+ face death penalty
Economy
- 70 Rials per US Dollar
- Growing and prosperous middle class
- Low unemployment rates
- Major infrastructure investments
- 1,400,000+ Rials per Dollar (20,000x collapse)
- 40% poverty rate, destroyed middle class
- Massive brain drain - millions fled
- Economy crippled by sanctions and corruption
Education
- Co-educational universities
- International academic freedom and exchange
- Merit-based admissions
- Modern curriculum and research
- Gender segregation in all schools
- Banned subjects and censored materials
- Ideological curriculum mandated
- Women barred from many fields of study
Culture
- Vibrant arts and cinema scene
- Music festivals and concerts
- Theater and performance arts flourished
- Cultural exchange with the world
- Strict censorship of all media
- Music and dancing banned or restricted
- Artists imprisoned and silenced
- Ancient Persian culture suppressed
International Relations
- Diplomatic ties with most nations — Iran had embassies worldwide and positive relations with East and West
- Thriving tourism industry — Millions visited historical sites like Persepolis and Isfahan annually
- Respected member of international community — Founding member of UN, active in global organizations
- Open borders and free travel — Iranians welcomed globally; strong passport enabled visa-free travel
- Pariah state, isolated from the world — Chants "Death to America/Israel" weekly, then wonders why they're isolated
- SELF-INFLICTED sanctions — Regime called sanctions "worthless paper," developed secret nuclear program, funded terrorism, now cries sanctions are "brutal"
- Listed as state sponsor of terrorism — Funds Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis; took US embassy hostage for 444 days
- Iranian passport among weakest globally — Can enter only 44 countries visa-free (170th ranking), Iranians embarrassed worldwide
When asked on the Air France flight "How do you feel about returning to Iran after 15 years?" Khomeini replied: "Nothing." His translator lied and said "He prefers not to comment."
— Air France Flight 4721, February 1, 1979
The answer of an occupier, not a leader returning home
"I don't want to rule... I will be just a spiritual guide."
— Khomeini, Le Monde interview, January 1979
One month later: Declared Supreme Leader for life
Currency devaluation from 70 Rials to 1.4 million per Dollar
— Central Bank of Iran data, 1979 vs 2025
Recorded executions in 2025 alone - highest per capita rate globally
— Iran Human Rights Monitor, 2025 Report
"Before 1979, Iranian women could be judges, ministers, and doctors. Today they cannot even leave the country without their husband's permission."
— UN Women Report on Iran, 2023
These are not just statistics
This is the story of millions of destroyed lives, crushed dreams, and a nation in chains.