Whoopi Goldbergs claim that Iran and America are the same is offensive to Iranians suffering and dying like my family

On Wednesday’s “The View,” Whoopi Goldberg said Iran and America are “the same.” In a heated exchange, Alyssa Farah Griffin disagreed, at one point saying, “It’s very different to live in the United States in 2025 than it is to live in Iran.” Whoopi retorted, “Not if you’re black!” Here, an Iranian who fled the country and lives in America responds.There is absolutely no comparison between life in the United States and life under the Islamic Republic of Iran.The worst situation of any American citizen — regardless of race, gender or background — is still infinitely better than the daily fear, oppression and brutality people endure in Iran.I lived there.

I know the fear firsthand.I’ve seen it.In Iran, you’re constantly watched.

You can be arrested for a word, for a haircut, for listening to the wrong music, for refusing to conform.They torture people.

They execute dissidents.They even assassinate critics abroad.So to hear someone on American TV, with total freedom of speech and legal protection, equate the United States with Iran is not only factually wrong — it’s offensive to those who are truly suffering and dying in silence.In America, you can protest, sue, criticize the president and still go home safely at night.

In Iran, that same act could get you killed.So no — they are not the same.

Not even close.Daily life in Iran is a prison — just not always with visible bars.Every detail of your life is controlled: what you wear, what you say, who you associate with, what music you listen to, what you post online.You’re constantly afraid.Your phone is tapped.

You speak in whispers.You look over your shoulder.

Every sentence can be used against you.Women are beaten and arrested for how they dress.

Students are tortured for speaking out.There is no due process, no transparency, no protection.

They can arrest you without reason, torture you without trial, and your family may never know where you are.They force televised con...