If she goes, we will kill you! Elnaaz Norouzi’s statement amid Israel war, said Iran was as free as India

iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in a joint attack by America and Israel on 28 February 2026. This incident has greatly increased the tension in the Middle East. After Khamenei’s death, Iran has retaliated against American targets in the region, which has worsened the situation. Amidst this entire crisis, Iranian origin actress Elnaaz Norouzi has expressed her opinion openly. Elnaaz is currently co-hosting the popular game show ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with Akshay Kumar in India. She has been strongly criticizing the current government of Iran for a long time. He has raised his voice many times in protests against the government.

Elnaz was born in Tehran, Iran in the early 1990s. When she was just 8 years old, she moved to Germany with her family. His parents left there many years ago, but many of his relatives still live in Iran. Elnaz last visited Iran in 2018. Since then she did not go back.

Why can’t the actress step into Iran?

She clearly said in an interview, ‘I cannot step into Iran. If I go I think they will kill me. This fear comes because he has openly criticized the government, especially during the large protests that followed the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Mahsa Amini was a young Kurdish woman who died in the custody of morality police for breaking hijab rules. This incident sparked massive protests across Iran against women’s rights and the government. Even at that time, Elnaaz had openly spoken against the government, which had spread fear in her family.

Elnaaz’s message

Government and people are different Elnaz repeatedly reiterates that the government of Iran (Islamic Republic) and the common people of Iran are two different things. He says that most Iranian people do not agree with this government and its ideology. Iranian people are very educated and aware. They want a different, better political system. He told that in ancient times Iran, which was earlier called Persia, was a very diverse and open country. People of different religions and cultures lived there. People had more freedom in wearing clothes, speaking and living. Historically Iran had good relations with Israel and America. For example, during the time of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, relations between Iran and America-Israel were strong. Elnaz says many elderly Iranians now regret the revolution (the Islamic Revolution of 1979) that brought about this harsh rule. She says, ‘Iran was never an essentially Islamic country, just as India is diverse, so was Iran.’ Today’s youth, especially Generation Z, are demanding democracy and reforms.

Family worries and difficulties

Amidst this war, Elnaaz’s biggest concern is about her family. She said, ‘Right now there is a war-like situation, the internet is down and I have not been able to talk to my family since yesterday.’ She is just praying that her relatives stay safe inside the house. Elnaz also told that leaving Iran is not so easy. Going out is expensive and complicated. There are strict rules for seeking asylum. Those who go out have to face new challenges abroad and those who remain in Iran struggle with inflation, unemployment and increasing difficulties in life.

Elnaaz’s career

Elnaaz started acting in 2017 with a Pakistani film. Then he got a lot of recognition from his role in ‘Sacred Games’. Later he worked in projects like ‘Abhay’, ‘Made in Heaven’, ‘Masti 4’. Now she is seen in ‘Wheel of Fortune’ with Akshay Kumar. This war is not just big news for Elnaz. It is related to the reality of his life, his family and his country. She wants the world to understand the people of Iran and give them freedom. He believes that if civilians die, the responsibility will lie with the regime which has suppressed the voice of the people for years.