Gen Z Iranians: ‘We won’t let Iran become another North Korea’

This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent PersianAt a time when the Islamic Republic of Iran remains at odds with the international community over its nuclear programme, and repression and censorship show no signs of easing, some have begun to speculate that Iran is heading towards becoming another North Korea.Some argue that this transformation has already taken place. Others point to Iran’s geography, geopolitical position and strategic importance as reasons why a North Korean-style system would be impossible to replicate.Yet another voice is emerging: Iran’s Gen Z, who believe that regardless of how determined the Islamic Republic may be to tighten its grip through repression, isolation and social control, it will always face a population unwilling to accept such a fate without a fight.For these young Iranians, theirs is a society shaped by protest, resistance and acts of defiance carried out at considerable personal cost, a society no longer prepared to submit to the restrictions imposed by its rulers.Young Iranians say the mood has shifted after widespread protests took place in January 2026 (AFP/Getty)This report brings together the accounts of seven young Iranians born in the 2000s who tell Independent Persian that “Iran will never become North Korea”, not because the Islamic Republic lacks the desire to make it so, but because society will not let it happen.‘This generation will never remain silent’Milad*, a 23-year-old business management student is among those who dismiss the possibility outright. Having consistently taken part in anti-government protests, he is convinced Iran will never follow that path.“Iranian youth have courage, intelligence and an overwhelming desire to live,” he says. “Our generation wants things that previous generations might have considered ambitious, but for us, they are simply about living freely and enjoying our basic rights. This generation does not accept just any kind of life, whatever the cost.”Milad believes that his generation refuses to accept a government that dictates every aspect of their lives and imposes new restrictions on them day after day. Ghazal, a final-year secondary school student is equally adamant: “Our generation will not easily forget what has happened to us, to our parents, our friends and our fellow Iranians.“So many people in this country have had their youth and their lives stolen from them and that is not something we can overlook.Amirali, 24, is convinced that economic hardship will not break people’s spirit (AFP/Getty)“Despite all the executions, repression, injustice and cruelty, so many young people and teenagers are still standing up to oppression and refusing to give up.”She continues: “That determination alone shows that Iranian society cannot be silenced through fear and violence.”‘No country becomes North Korea overnight’However, many are not so optimistic about the road ahead.Amirali, a 24-year-old computer science student, believes that if current trends continue, conditions in Iran could become considerably worse: “The gap between rich and poor will widen dramatically, and the country’s economy and resources will fall even further under the control of mafia-like networks.”However, he is emphatic that economic hardship will not break people’s spirit.“Iranians may become poorer by the day, but that doesn't mean the government can do whatever it wants while everyone stays silent. People may not be able to enjoy a decent life themselves, but they won't let the regime have an easy time of it either.”Referring to the bloody crackdown on protests in January 2026, Shayan, a 23-year-old architecture student, stressed that the apparent silence of society should not be mistaken for acceptance of the status quo.Arash, a 21-year-old estate agent, says his generation care deeply about “their rights, their personal freedoms and their future” (Reuters)“No country becomes North Korea overnight,” he says. “It is a gradual process. Freedoms are restricted step by step, channels of communication with the outside world are progressively closed off, and the government tries to shut down every possible route to change or reversal.“But the real question is how far society is prepared to tolerate these restrictions. I have no doubt that young Iranians will not allow this process to reach a point where every possibility of change has been eliminated.”Shayan also believes that the lack of visible protests following January’s crackdown is not proof of the regime’s success in instilling fear.“Perhaps many people outside Iran imagine that after the January killings, young people became frightened and no longer dare to take to the streets,” he says.“But what I see is completely different. The fear hasn't disappeared; it has changed form, turning into deep anger. In my view, society has neither forgotten what happened nor come to terms with the current situation.“People are desperately waiting for another opportunity to rise up. And that is what makes Iran different from North Korea.”‘Iranian society has already made its choice’Ehsan, a 20-year-old barista, tells Independent Persian: “Looking at the social restrictions, sanctions and the direction the government is taking, I can understand why many people might think Iran will soon become North Korea.“But just walk through different neighbourhoods of Tehran these days and see for yourself how young people stand up to government forces and Basij militiamen who are out on the streets every night.”Ehsan argues that the willingness to confront government forces despite the risks demonstrates that intimidation and repression have failed to make society accept the status quo.“These young people know exactly who they're dealing with,” he continued. “They know the forces confronting them are authorised to shoot, that they could be shot, arrested or subjected to any other form of violence. Yet they still refuse to back down.“That tells you Iranian society has moved beyond the point where the government can impose whatever restrictions it likes simply by frightening people.”Young Iranians say they believe their generation cannot be silenced (AFP/Getty)Parnian, a sixth form student, asked whether Iran will become North Korea, responded with an emphatic “Never” three times.“I believe Iranian society has already made its choice,” she says. “People know what they don't want, and they're not prepared to live under these conditions forever.“Getting what they want may take time and come at a cost, but it will happen. More importantly, I think the government itself knows that perfectly well.”Arash, a 21-year-old estate agent, notes that while the regime mirrors North Korea in its attempt to control information and suppress dissent, Generation Z will prevent complete subjugation.“When a government resorts to arrests, torture, executions and the violent suppression of protests to remain in power, it is trying to silence its people rather than listen to them and address their problems.“I know the young people of my generation,” he says. “I see how deeply they care about their rights, their personal freedoms and their future.“The government may be able to increase the pressure, impose new restrictions and even silence protests for a while. But I don't believe any amount of injustice or repression can force this generation to accept the destruction of its future and resign itself to a life of absolute restriction.”*Names have been changed to protect privacyReviewed by Tooba Khokhar