Comedian Max Amini calls Iran regime ‘terrorist group,’ urges ‘rescue mission’

As Max Amini prepares to become the first Iranian-American comedian to headline Madison Square Garden on Sunday, he spoke to Fox News Digital about what he described as the “unimaginable” oppression facing the Iranian people under the Islamic Republic regime.

Born in 1981 to Iranian parents in Tucson, Arizona, Amini has always felt a deep connection to the country where her parents grew up and the culture in which she grew up.

“I was born into this family that introduced us to Iranian culture in a very positive way,” he told Fox News Digital. “So I learned the best things about my culture. And I was very lucky to grow up in America, in a very patriotic environment.”

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Iranian citizens have taken to the streets in recent weeks with mass protests against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime, and thousands of people have allegedly been killed as the regime suppressed the protests. The protests come as the country faces unrest due to economic woes and political pressure.

Amini, arguably the world’s most popular Iranian-American comedian, has taken it upon himself to advocate and “promote the idea” against the horrors the Iranian people are currently facing. [of] “How important it is to respect human rights.”

“Freedom is something that we understand today is the most important thing for every human being. Can you imagine how difficult it is to be in any country as someone living in this beautiful country, can you imagine having all your rights taken away?” he asked.

Amini continued: “You’re afraid of what you say. You can’t do the simple things in life like singing, dancing. You know, basic, basic things that we take for granted. Women can’t sing or dance in public. They can’t go out freely with their lovers, and people can’t practice their faith, some religions.” “It is unimaginable that people living in a free country like the United States or European countries have such respect for human rights.”

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The comedian argued that there is nothing “Islamic” or “Republican” in the leadership of the Islamic Republic in Iran, and that “the Iranian people are very different from the government that governs them.”

“They are a terrorist organization, a mafia, and they are absolutely brutal. They are killing their own people,” he said of the Iranian government.

Iranians gather by blocking the street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on January 9, 2026. (MAHSA / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)

Amini described the Iranian people as vibrant and modern, despite how they are sometimes portrayed by the media.

“They’re fun, they’re hip, they’re fashion-forward. Just understand their taste in music, how they enjoy gatherings, and how they live, and you’ll be amazed.” [by] “It’s what the media is showing and what the facts are. I hope everyone gets a chance to see that soon,” he told Fox News Digital.

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Amini described the solution to the situation in Iran as a “rescue mission” and said, “We need to go to that country and save the people kidnapped by the terrorist regime.” he said.

“Number [of protesters killed] “Foreign countries need to take this seriously so that they can live in a country that is so big and where a person is guaranteed to be killed if they go out,” he argued.

Amini continued: “Historically, when a country is held in this situation, it is held hostage. There is an absolutely brutal regime and they are killing its own people. Intervention is essential. And the rescue mission is the best action a country can do for these people.” “They’re screaming. They’re screaming for help.”

Demonstrators burn a poster depicting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally in support of anti-government protests in Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Holon, Israel. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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Amini argued that although people living outside Iran may think that what happens hundreds or thousands of kilometers away has no impact on their lives, history shows otherwise.

“We think the other side of the world won’t affect us, but now if you look at the history of the last 20 to 30 years, we as Americans have been so affected by some of the most corrupt things.” [that are] “It’s happening on the other side of the world,” he continued. “I hope we will have much better connections with humanity soon.”

Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton contributed to this report.