Mousavi’s wife is an inspiration

Today, however, I am simply humbled by hopes of the thousands who voted for Mir Hossein Mousavi. Suddenly whether he is one of “them” – the Khomeinists – is neither here nor there.

Something far bigger than him is occurring. The streets of Tehran are full of people who have known nothing but an Islamic Republic along with veterans of the 1979 revolt against the Shah. They are all demanding change – and they are already losing their lives for it.

For Iranian women, Zahra Rahnavard, Mr Mousavi’s wife, has become a strong and inspirational figure. Despite the limits imposed by the regime, Iranians are the feistiest, most intelligent women that you could hope to meet.

Many of my close relatives live in Iran. My 62-year-old uncle should be looking forward to retiring. Instead, like so many educated Iranians, he has to work at three jobs. In the evenings, many people’s cars become taxis as they struggle to make a few extra rials for their family.

I can do nothing from my safe haven in London but hold my breath, watch and wait. The internet is awash with updates, imagery and predictions – none of which we can ultimately count on. After all, just a week ago no one could have predicted the scenes that we are witnessing today.

Like thousands of Iranian families, mine has lived in exile for the past 30 years. People like me have taken for granted the freedoms that young people in Iran are denied.

Today we watch and wonder if this outrage will lead to calls for the separation of religion and state in Iran and an end to “Islamic rule”. Then, perhaps, we can all go back for a visit, as a family.

Shappi Khorsandi is a comedian and author of A Beginner’s Guide to Acting English, to be published by Ebury Press next month