MIAMI — Iranians living in Miami are voicing support for demonstrators in Iran who have been protesting for more than 12 days against the current government and the country’s struggling economy.

The unrest has led to thousands of deaths and arrests, and internet access has been shut down, leaving many unable to contact family members.

“The reason we moved out our country is because we were forced out of our country,” said Reza Kavoosi, a protester.

Others say the protests are about more than economic hardship.

“Yes the economy is hard,” said Sareh Seyedkazday. “Yes things are expensive but it’s more than that. It’s about fighting for basic human rights, it’s about the freedom to speak up and to have a vote that really counts.”

Kavoosi said he has not heard from his aunt in several days because of the internet shutdown.

“All the people you are seeing, they have friends and family and we can’t even call them,” said Hamid, another protester. “They shut down everything.”

Some demonstrators are calling for a new government that resembles Iran’s past, which is why many are waving the country’s original flag.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing potential military options in Iran, with a meeting planned this week with national security officials.

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