Opposition in Iran

SIR – Given the number of people in Iran who depend on the regime for their livelihood and security, it is not surprising that the Revolutionary Guards can put people on the streets to counter anti-government protests.

Those prepared to risk their lives and liberty to oppose the country’s repressive 39-year autocracy speak for the real Iran. Would that others might follow Allister Heath (Comment, January 4) in telling it as it is. David Harris

London SW13

SIR – Allister Heath is right to call on Britain to support Iran’s antigovernment protesters. He should not, however, expect British or American help to be met with a warm welcome.

Far from seeing us as supporters of freedom and democracy, the Iranians remember how, in 1953, their first democratically elected leader, Mohammad Mossadegh, was removed in the CIA- and Mi6-inspired coup. Robert Farrer

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire