In the Land of Brothers (2024) Movie Script
1
Iran is the host
to more than 5 million Afghan refugees.
They call it the Land of their Brothers.
Put up the heating!
Mohammad, leave this,
go help Qasem load the truck.
OK.
- The truck is leaving in half an hour.
- OK.
Hurry up, it's getting late.
Mohammad, hand me the crates.
Hurry up, it's freezing.
IN THE LAND OF BROTHERS
Chapter I - Mohammad
Bojnord, 2001
Casting iron is fairly easy
and it doesn't shrink like steel,
which makes iron
ideal for structural work.
Mahmoudi, tell us the melting points
of iron and cast iron.
1371 and 1127, sir.
- Celsius?
- Yes, sorry.
Nemati, stand up.
What are the different types
of cast iron?
Sir...
- Cast iron...
- White.
White cast iron...
Grey.
Grey cast iron...
Malleable.
Malleable.
Iron...
Ductile and malleable cast iron.
I'll ask you again tomorrow.
You can go.
Cazting iron is fairly eazy!
Zelziuz!
Zurprize tezt tomorrow!
Mohammad, will you give me the rose
you made in class?
Who do you want it for?
My girlfriend.
You don't have one!
The rose will change that!
Mohammad should have
a hundred girlfriends then!
He's good-looking,
no need for roses!
Give me a break.
You, boy!
- Is he calling me?
- I think so.
- Me?
- Yes, you. Come over here.
Hello.
Hey, are you Afghan?
Do you need to think about it?
I am.
Show me your card.
I don't have it on me,
but I'm a student here.
Get in.
If I was illegal,
they wouldn't enroll me.
Get in the car, kid.
Don't waste our time.
- Sir, please.
- Get in.
Rouzbahani, get a receipt.
Come with me.
You'll help us here
while we control your residence status.
Be careful, the room is flooded.
Najafi, these guys will help transfer
the documents to the new archive.
- What's your name?
- Mohsen.
Go get a wheelbarrow.
You go empty the shelf in the back.
Quick.
And you, scoop the water out.
Karami, help him.
Put down your bag.
Mohsen, give me a hand.
Stack them neatly.
Go.
What the hell are you doing?
No worries, let them dry out.
Who arrested him?
I think Najafi did.
Give it to me.
You help scoop the water for now.
Does he look like he can work?
Couldn't find more Afghans.
Explain it to the captain.
What's your name?
- Mohammad.
- Leave that, come here.
Empty this shelf.
Come on, quick.
Stack them properly.
Let's ask the archive manager
how to handle this.
Hello. At ease.
How long will this take, Nazari?
Until the end of the week, sir.
- In time for the inspection on Monday?
- Yes, sir.
What's with your hand?
I fell down the scaffolding.
Why did you arrest him?
- He didn't have a card, sir.
- Let him go.
Next time you arrest a cripple,
everyone gets 72-hour detention.
- Is that clear?
- Yes, sir.
Let the others go before dark
if they work well.
- Yes, sir.
- Go back to work.
Nazari, make sure
documents don't get lost.
- Of course, sir.
- Back to work.
Stop here.
In recent days,
the bombings have increased
in Badakhshan and Kabul.
There are reports of rocket attacks
in Zaranj and Kandahar.
Yesterday, Kofi Annan expressed concern
over the increase
in Afghan civilian casualties.
The attacks triggered a massive wave
of Afghan refugees
towards Iran and Pakistan.
Afghanistan is being bombarded.
The Americans have taken many cities.
The Taliban are fleeing.
What?
The Taliban are fleeing.
How about the people?
Hanieh dear, everyone's fleeing.
Turn it down, we're eating.
Why aren't you eating, Mohammad?
I'm full, I ate at school.
Why were you late?
We were at the woodshop,
making tables.
The kid is talented,
they overwork him.
He's learning the craft.
Trade jobs can make a lot of money.
If Leila had a card,
I'd send her to a seamstress school.
Qasem, she can learn sewing later.
She'd better get married
and build a family.
God willing.
Any news from her suitor?
Hossein is a good man.
He went to Anzali for work.
We're waiting for his return.
God bless.
When will you get married, Qasem?
I'll take care of Leila first,
my turn will come.
God willing.
Thanks, that was delicious.
My pleasure, honey.
Where are you going, Leila?
To feed the dogs.
- Be quick, it's cold.
- Yes, brother.
If you're not eating,
go take care of your rows.
You're behind.
No sleep until you're done.
OK, Dad.
Hi.
Why are you late?
I was waiting for Qasem to sleep.
- Here, I corrected your exercises.
- Thanks.
- Do you want to practice?
- No.
You have work to do, I won't bother you.
We'll do it tomorrow.
I'll come earlier tomorrow.
Thank you.
Did you find Rex?
Yes, but he is hurt.
I think someone hit him.
Does he need a bandage?
I found some in the kitchen.
I'll bring you more crates.
Thank you.
When did you go home?
At dusk.
- Did they ask about us?
- No.
They think I'm the only Afghan here.
- What if they find out?
- They won't.
You guys look like Iranians.
He's right,
I don't think they'll find out.
Even if they do,
just have your cards with you.
What did your father say?
I didn't tell him.
Why?
What can he do about it?
Won't you tell the principal?
It's over.
Let it go!
They're here again.
Let's go back.
I have my card. Don't be afraid.
I'm telling you I have my card.
Go first.
I don't have mine.
Yes, Mohammad,
we'll be right behind you.
You'll help us here
while we control your residence status.
Who knows construction work?
Grab a hatchet and help the others.
And you, take the shelves apart.
- Can you do this?
- Yes.
Rouzbahani!
You've been twiddling
with that forever. Hurry!
It's stuck.
What's stuck?
Let me see.
Block it from behind
and pull the wrench.
Like this.
When it's loose...
you can unscrew it
with your hand.
Got it?
Sir?
Can I go home early?
I have something important to do.
Is the food that bad here?
There will be no more food today.
They haven't been soldiers,
their stomachs can't take it.
You guys come here a couple of times.
I have 14 more months to slave away.
Rookie dog!
I'm done in twenty days.
Don't brag, idiot,
that's for me to decide!
Who is married here?
Send these two home early.
Yes, sir.
I'm engaged.
Too late.
The kid will also say
he's engaged.
He'd be a cute bride!
Sit down.
Send four men
to the laundry room.
Yes, sir.
Finish quickly, I need a ride.
Put chains on the tires, it's snowing.
Yes, sir.
You, you and you two.
To the laundry room after lunch.
The others, eat fast,
we have to go to the armory.
Nice work.
Thank you.
Aren't you cold?
I don't want my clothes to get dirty.
What grade are you in?
First year of high school.
At the laundry room,
you would have finished very late.
I'll let you go in an hour or two.
Why do you want to leave early?
I have things to do.
You have a girlfriend?
No.
Asghari!
Why don't you answer?
The captain's asking
who's on night shift.
- I'm coming.
- Hurry.
I said hurry!
Go?
Go, went, gone.
I went to the beach yesterday.
Eat?
Eat, ate,
eaten.
She usually eat sandwich.
Eats. The end takes an S.
Why?
It's third person singular.
Good.
Turn?
Turn, turned, turned.
I turned the table.
Don't worry, it must be the wind.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Lie?
Lie,
lied, lied.
You lied about your school last night.
Take?
Where were you yesterday?
I told you.
At the woodshop.
Your clothes are full of sawdust
after woodshop.
Where did you go after school?
Mohammad...
Won't you tell me?
Why are you telling me so late?
Does your father know?
No, sir, I didn't tell him.
Tell him to come see me tomorrow.
Can you please not tell him?
Why?
Because he can't do much about it.
He'll only get upset.
Are the copies ready?
Thank you.
Alright.
Let me see what I can do.
Go wash your face
and go back to class.
Najafi!
Yes, sir?
Give this kid a work uniform.
Send him to the archive
when he's done.
Sure.
Here.
Clean as new.
Thanks.
Tell me...
Have we treated you badly here?
No.
So why was your principal here?
I didn't tell him, he found out himself.
He nearly pissed his pants
when he saw the captain.
You're lucky I like you.
Otherwise I'd deport you immediately.
Anything else?
No.
- It's dirty outside, change here.
- It's OK.
Look at me when I'm talking to you!
Change right here.
We don't know who is responsible
for this wrongdoing.
But I promise they won't get off easily.
The little prick who did this
should denounce himself.
Everyone's final grade will be lowered
until we find out who did it.
I won't be hard on him
if he comes to me.
But if I find him, I'll give him hell.
If anyone knows who the culprit is,
he'd better tell me now.
Telling me won't get you in trouble.
But if any of you knows
and doesn't tell,
he will be expelled.
Expelled!
He will keep the cast on for six weeks.
I'll prescribe some drugs for him
to get at the pharmacy.
Thank you, Doctor.
What happened to your face?
I got in a fight.
- Are we done, Doctor?
- Yes.
He should stay here for a moment
and if he's not dizzy, he can go.
Moradi, I must get back to the school.
You go straight home.
- Understood?
- Yes.
- Thank you, Doctor.
- Goodbye.
Let's go.
Get going, are you looking for trouble?
10 years later
Chapter II - Leila
Anzali, 2010
Like a cherry tree in April
My soul bloomed
Got a pocket full of blooms
With no one to offer them to
Oh the soulful breeze
Blow in my direction tonight
Or else I won't stay in bloom
Until the dawn
Hossein?
Hossein dear?
Why have you left the cement bags
at the entrance?
Behnam will be here soon
and make a fuss.
Come on, they'll be here any minute.
Hossein...
Hossein?
Good God...
Hossein, can you hear me?
Hossein, can you hear me?
Hossein!
Open your mouth!
Can you hear me?
Open your mouth, Hossein...
Please...
Hossein, don't you hear me?
Open your mouth.
Open it...
Open your mouth...
Hello, sir.
Where were you, Leila?
Sorry, I was in the kitchen.
Hi, Leila, how are you?
- Leave the gate open.
- Sure.
- Please, unload the trunk.
- OK.
- Hello, Leila.
- Hello, Farshid.
- How are you?
- Good, thank you.
- Let me help you.
- I take this one.
- Farshid, give me a hand.
- Coming.
- I'm glad we made it.
- Me too.
- Hurry up.
- Sir yes sir!
Don't overload me.
- Negin, you shouldn't carry this.
- I'm fine.
I'll go shopping.
OK, love. Don't forget the firewood.
Alright.
Anyone need anything?
- Shampoo, please.
- We're good.
Cigarettes!
- You'll get flashed on the road.
- You drive like a snail!
Why are the cinder blocks here?
It's for the back wall construction.
- Haven't they started yet?
- No, it just arrived yesterday.
- Why so late?
- I don't know.
Tell Hossein to put them away for now.
OK, sir.
Hi, are they here?
Yes.
- Where are you going?
- To change.
Daddy's sleeping.
You can change later.
Come help me for now.
Mom, today
at football,
Amirali tried to trip me.
But I dodged and he fell down instead.
- I scored and we won 3-0.
- Well done.
Behnam's here!
Don't say Dad's sleeping.
- He's at work.
- OK.
Be careful.
- Are you scared of firecrackers?
- Can I light one?
Not alone, we'll do it later
on the beach.
- Alright?
- Yes.
What the heck?
Isn't Hossein home yet?
No, he's still at work.
We have guests!
- Call him and tell him to hurry.
- I will.
- There you go, your turn.
- My turn.
Bragging already.
I'll show you how to play.
Silence.
Stop touching them all.
- Why not?
- That's the rule.
Negin bought me a plane!
- My turn?
- Don't run!
Easy.
Leila, could you please
open the window?
Sure.
That's a double Jenga!
- Really?
- Watch this.
Aren't you done with your tower?
Look at this!
It's gonna fall!
Just watch.
You jerk!
Enough with the game!
It was a good game!
Clear it out.
- Not cool!
- Let's have a drink.
You came here to play games?
Bring your glasses.
Cheers!
May we meet in Toronto soon!
- In the eyes!
- Cheers.
Why the hell are you leaving?
I could have raised your kid!
Give me a break!
I'm still raising you!
Leila dear?
Yes, ma'am?
This scarf is a new year's gift for you.
Thank you, ma'am.
My pleasure.
And this is a shirt for Hossein.
You shouldn't have.
Thank you, sir.
Behnam, Leila is thanking you.
You're welcome.
Wear it so I can see.
I have work to do,
I don't want it to get dirty.
- Sorry.
- Not at all.
- Omid darling, do these too.
- OK.
- Aren't you coming to the beach?
- We'll join you later.
Please prepare our guests' beds.
Yes, as soon as I'm done here.
Mom, should I wake Dad to come help?
Dad is resting,
I'll wake him up soon.
Hossein is home?
He just came back
from the construction site.
- He was tired, I told him to rest.
- I see.
Omid, bring the salad...
God!
It's nothing. No, Omid!
Bring the chicken to Behnam. Go!
- Sorry, I don't know what happened.
- Don't worry.
- I'll take care of it.
- It's fine.
Should we take Hossein
to the doctor tomorrow?
Why?
Every time Hossein isn't well,
you're like this.
No, I'd tell you if anything was wrong.
He's worked hard, he's just drained.
Let's do it while we're still in Iran.
Behnam and I would be reassured.
He doesn't want to do a check-up.
Take it easy. Get the broom.
They won't ask you for residency cards
at the hospital.
When they see we don't have insurance,
they start asking questions.
If ever the police get involved,
you would get into trouble too.
I don't know, Leila.
It's up to you.
Just tell him to come see Behnam.
Sure.
I'll tell Massoud to check on him later.
He hasn't run out of pills?
No, he has enough.
Was it one of our guests?
- What is it?
- She got scared by a dog!
- Watch the barbecue for me.
- OK.
I went there to pee
and she suddenly screamed.
You left her alone?
You know she's afraid of dogs.
These are domesticated.
I can't help it, they scare me.
- Where are they?
- They ran away.
You scared them,
they're on the run!
- Come on!
- What if they come in the yard?
Why would they?
They will, for the chicken!
Don't tease her.
Let's go inside and close the gate.
They can always enter
through the broken wall.
- Leila, give them some food.
- I will.
Otherwise they won't leave us alone.
Let's go and eat.
And you promised to sing.
Behnam, this wall was supposed
to be fixed two years ago.
Construction delays...
Sorry for your loss, sister.
Does anyone know?
No, no one found out.
Wait until they leave,
then we'll figure it out.
Qasem, they're staying for a week.
What should I do alone?
Don't let anyone find out.
If the ambulance and police come,
you and Omid will be deported.
There's nothing you can do.
Can't you come here?
It's not easy
to get a travel document.
If I come illegally,
I'd be deported.
I'll find a way
to come and join you.
I don't know
how long it can take.
Hide the body until they leave.
Leila, can you hear me?
Leila?
Can you hear me?
We'll have left Iran by then.
What are you doing
at the construction site?
Send two workers here for now.
What's the rush? We're chilling.
Let's go and see the fireworks.
Here.
Can I have an olive?
The fireworks have started already.
Let's tell the neighbors
to join us on the shore.
Good idea, the more the merrier.
- Where's Behnam?
- On the phone.
Let's go to the shore
and start the fire.
We'll join you in a bit.
Pass me the tray.
Omid, bring this.
Behnam, are the fireworks in your car?
Yes, I'll get them.
Omid, come here.
Take the fireworks from the car,
bring them to the shore and wait for me.
- Leila, was Hossein at work today?
- Yes, sir.
I just talked to his boss.
He said the site closed a week ago.
That's what he told me, I don't know.
Should I believe
he's been resting all evening?
Why would I lie to you, sir?
- What does that mean?
- Behnam!
Give me a second.
Are you going to tell me?
- What should I say?
- Just tell the truth.
- Easy...
- You say something!
Calm down.
That's all you can say.
Leila, is Hossein alright?
You can tell us.
Hossein...
Hossein...
Leila...
What happened?
Come sit down.
What is it, Leila?
Hossein was deported
back to Afghanistan.
What do you mean?
Didn't I say something was wrong?
When?
Four days ago.
I came home,
he wasn't there.
His phone was off.
A friend of ours said
Hossein was coming back from the store
and got arrested.
Why didn't you tell us?
We could have done something.
I was afraid, ma'am.
I didn't want to be fired.
Don't cry, Leila,
we don't want to fire you.
Did Hossein mention his work here?
No, sir, not a word.
Are you sure
that won't cause trouble for us?
Yes, I talked to him.
If he said anything,
Omid and I would be the first in trouble.
Now don't cry.
He'll find money and come back.
He won't stay there.
Come wash your face.
Didn't I tell you to wait for me there?
There's a dead dog on the beach.
Did he drown?
No, he's dry.
Are you sure he's dead?
Massoud, can you check?
What should I do?
He's definitely not sleeping.
But why did he die?
You should poke him.
I guess he's dead.
What should we do now?
We can't leave him here.
Let's take him to the yard.
We'll see tomorrow.
Now?
What else can I do?
I'll bury him.
You can't do it on your own, Leila.
What if he's sick?
No.
I buried another dog recently.
Poor things drink from the river
and get ill.
Be careful then.
Do you need any help?
No, sir. Just keep Omid with you
until I'm done.
Omid, come here.
- Are you okay, Negin?
- Yes.
Are you scared of dead dogs too?
Let's go.
What's wrong with Leila?
She's fine. I'll tell you later.
May God bless the dead
You'll get better soon.
You'll get well.
Forgive me.
Forgive me.
10 years later
Chapter III - Qasem
Tehran - 2021
Number 48, room 2.
Number 52, room 4.
Number 60,
room 3.
Hello.
Hi, can I help you?
I got a convocation
from the Immigration Office.
Identification please?
Here.
Take the mask off please.
Thank you.
Did they say why you had to come?
No. I moved three months ago.
I haven't registered the new address.
Maybe that's the reason?
Wait here.
Mr. Esaghi,
please follow me.
So, Mr. Esaghi,
where have you been?
We asked around about you
from anyone we knew.
I'm sorry, I moved to Karaj recently.
I haven't registered
the new address yet.
Yes.
- Would like some tea?
- No, thank you.
- Is everything fine?
- Thank God.
Thank God.
How many children do you have?
Two, a girl and a boy.
God bless them.
Do they live with you in Iran?
My daughter does,
my son went to Turkey six months ago.
When did you last talk to him?
Almost a month ago.
Why are you asking?
Mr. Esaghi, I'll cut to the chase.
Your son hasn't told you
the whole truth.
What do you mean?
I don't understand.
Hamed has...
I mean, had joined,
the Iranian forces in Syria.
Is he in Syria now?
He was.
What do you mean "was"?
There was a clash in Syria
two weeks ago.
Some of ours were martyred.
Unfortunately, Hamed was one of them.
It's impossible,
it must be another Esaghi.
Mr. Esaghi, if we weren't sure...
Sir, you're mistaken.
Hamed sent me pictures
from Istanbul, look...
No need.
Listen...
Many of our Afghan brothers who join up
hide the truth from their families.
Hamed never hides anything from us.
He went to Turkey six months ago,
I took him to the border.
One moment, please.
This is Hamed's phone.
Isn't it?
Why do you have this?
Before the operation,
the boys would give their phones
to their superior.
That's how we found your number.
Please accept my condolences.
May God give you patience.
- I also lost a brother in Iran-Iraq...
- I want to see him.
We unfortunately haven't been able
to bring back the martyrs.
But I promise we will arrange this
in the next few months.
Besides, I have
some important news for you.
Hello. I'm not available right now.
Leave a message and I'll call you back.
Daddy
Hello. I'm not available right now.
Leave a message and I'll call you back.
It's perfect.
Thank you, Hanieh.
It suits him very well.
Omid darling, is it comfortable?
You look really good in it.
Thank you, Aunt Hanieh, it's wonderful.
But the pants are a bit loose.
- What?
- He says the pants are a bit loose.
I'll fix it.
Mohammad can come pick it up tomorrow.
Will you be able to finish it?
Sure, I will.
Raise the jacket.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
We won't take more of your time.
Stay a bit.
Qasem will be back soon.
No, dear, it's late.
Mohammad needs to work tomorrow.
Come to visit us this weekend.
Grandma will be visiting too.
I miss her a lot.
See you then.
We will come.
Goodbye.
Goodbye, Hanieh.
- Goodbye.
- Bye, Mohammad.
Hello.
Why are you so late?
Your sister just left.
It was busy, my turn came late.
Was the suit okay?
It needs some work,
I'll finish it tonight.
What did they want that took so long?
You won't believe it.
What?
They want
to grant the family Iranian citizenship.
Really? Why now?
Hush, Maryam is asleep.
It wasn't in the news.
What did they say?
They want to grant all Afghan families
who lived here
for more than forty years
Iranian citizenship.
The ceremony is next week.
But we have to go
to the Office tomorrow
to attend the oath rehearsal.
Call Hamed, let him know!
After the rehearsal,
I'll call him.
The kids will be so happy
when they find out!
Mommy: Hamed dear, how are you?
I have good news for you!
- Good morning, Dad.
- Morning.
What's with all that noise?
Don't be grumpy because you overslept!
- Are the gloves comfortable?
- Yes, thank you.
They're perfect.
Hamed's gloves were too loose.
But these fit.
Is Mom asleep?
Yes, she worked late.
She was supposed to sign
the consent for the fight.
And she forgot her night medicine.
I'll sign.
Let me bring it.
If I win today,
I'll get to the quarter-finals.
You will.
Is this the national tournament?
Dad! This is the provincial one!
Winners enter the national tournament.
My opponent is in fifth grade.
- Is she taller than you?
- Yes, but skinnier.
Watch your left guard.
What did I tell you?
- Left guard a bit higher.
- That's right.
Aren't you coming?
I can't, I have an errand to run
with Mom.
You promised to come for the finals.
I will.
I'll give you the date in advance,
no excuses.
The bus is here!
Good morning.
Morning.
- Did Maryam leave?
- Yes.
Would you sit down?
I need to talk to you.
Come here first.
What do you think?
The clothes for the ceremony.
There's not enough time
to make new ones.
We need to choose between these.
Look.
Me, you,
Maryam,
Hamed.
They're nice.
But it's the Great Imam's death soon.
Shouldn't we wear dark clothes?
You're right.
I'll prepare dark clothes for all of us.
Qasem?
I want to tell you something.
About Hamed.
What?
Promise me not to get mad at him.
I promise.
Hamed wants to go to Europe.
What do you mean?
He didn't dare tell you.
He's had a good job in Turkey
for three months.
It pays well.
What job?
I don't know exactly, but he said
that with the money,
he can go to Germany soon.
He'll find a better job there.
And get German citizenship
in a few years.
Now I'm afraid
he doesn't want to come here
for Iranian citizenship.
Hamed listens to you.
I'd like you to talk to him,
persuade him to come back to Iran
and get his citizenship.
Maybe then he'll stay with us for good.
I'll talk to him.
Please, without fighting.
Thank you.
What did you want to say?
You didn't take your night pills.
I forgot.
Should I fetch them?
No need.
Don't worry, I'll be fine.
In the name of our martyrs and Imams.
I salute you, my brothers and sisters.
He's welcoming us.
The people of Iran and myself
share your grief.
As you already know,
the citizenship ceremony
will be held next Monday
at 10 a.m. in this very hall.
Today, we will rehearse
the oath together.
He's saying that today,
it's just a rehearsal of the ceremony.
We will take an exam
in Iran's law and history.
And now, the main reason
why we gathered here
is to thank and honor you,
the valorous mothers and fathers
who have raised
such zealous and faithful sons.
These brave children
who fought in the name of Islam
and were martyred.
They want to honor us.
For years of contribution
to Iran's prosperity.
Ever since they came to Iran,
our Afghan brothers have proven
their fraternity multiple times.
Every time the enemy
has tried to attack
the Holy Islamic Republic of Iran,
our Afghan brothers have stood
shoulder to shoulder
with their Iranian brothers.
It is my duty to express to you
the gratitude of the Iranian people.
He's just rambling.
Keep your head high
as proud Iranians.
If he's rambling,
then I'll go get my pills.
- Should I come with you?
- No need.
Before we start the rehearsal,
let's watch a clip made
by the Foreign Martyrs' Association.
Say prayers.
On the main front,
the enemy launched a counter-offensive.
Our soldiers launched
the mini-Katyusha rockets.
I realized
that I was there to witness
the zeal of Islamic warriors,
heroes of the path of God,
and the manifestation of faith
in their blessed souls...
Hello. I'm not available right now.
Leave a message...
Why did you go out?
Were you crying?
Hamed...
isn't in Turkey.
Where's my son?
I will tell you, but before that...
What?
My love...
I want you to know,
no matter what happens...
we...
have each other.
I swear that I fully and entirely
abandon my loyalty
to the nation and government
of which I was a citizen until now.
And henceforth,
against all interior
and exterior enemies,
I will defend the Constitution of Iran
and be faithful to the laws
of the Islamic Republic.
I swear to almighty God
that in its time of need,
I will take arms
to defend Iran.
I take these obligations
of my own free will
and with no ill will in mind.
May God almighty
light my path.
Say prayers.
Iran is the host
to more than 5 million Afghan refugees.
They call it the Land of their Brothers.
Put up the heating!
Mohammad, leave this,
go help Qasem load the truck.
OK.
- The truck is leaving in half an hour.
- OK.
Hurry up, it's getting late.
Mohammad, hand me the crates.
Hurry up, it's freezing.
IN THE LAND OF BROTHERS
Chapter I - Mohammad
Bojnord, 2001
Casting iron is fairly easy
and it doesn't shrink like steel,
which makes iron
ideal for structural work.
Mahmoudi, tell us the melting points
of iron and cast iron.
1371 and 1127, sir.
- Celsius?
- Yes, sorry.
Nemati, stand up.
What are the different types
of cast iron?
Sir...
- Cast iron...
- White.
White cast iron...
Grey.
Grey cast iron...
Malleable.
Malleable.
Iron...
Ductile and malleable cast iron.
I'll ask you again tomorrow.
You can go.
Cazting iron is fairly eazy!
Zelziuz!
Zurprize tezt tomorrow!
Mohammad, will you give me the rose
you made in class?
Who do you want it for?
My girlfriend.
You don't have one!
The rose will change that!
Mohammad should have
a hundred girlfriends then!
He's good-looking,
no need for roses!
Give me a break.
You, boy!
- Is he calling me?
- I think so.
- Me?
- Yes, you. Come over here.
Hello.
Hey, are you Afghan?
Do you need to think about it?
I am.
Show me your card.
I don't have it on me,
but I'm a student here.
Get in.
If I was illegal,
they wouldn't enroll me.
Get in the car, kid.
Don't waste our time.
- Sir, please.
- Get in.
Rouzbahani, get a receipt.
Come with me.
You'll help us here
while we control your residence status.
Be careful, the room is flooded.
Najafi, these guys will help transfer
the documents to the new archive.
- What's your name?
- Mohsen.
Go get a wheelbarrow.
You go empty the shelf in the back.
Quick.
And you, scoop the water out.
Karami, help him.
Put down your bag.
Mohsen, give me a hand.
Stack them neatly.
Go.
What the hell are you doing?
No worries, let them dry out.
Who arrested him?
I think Najafi did.
Give it to me.
You help scoop the water for now.
Does he look like he can work?
Couldn't find more Afghans.
Explain it to the captain.
What's your name?
- Mohammad.
- Leave that, come here.
Empty this shelf.
Come on, quick.
Stack them properly.
Let's ask the archive manager
how to handle this.
Hello. At ease.
How long will this take, Nazari?
Until the end of the week, sir.
- In time for the inspection on Monday?
- Yes, sir.
What's with your hand?
I fell down the scaffolding.
Why did you arrest him?
- He didn't have a card, sir.
- Let him go.
Next time you arrest a cripple,
everyone gets 72-hour detention.
- Is that clear?
- Yes, sir.
Let the others go before dark
if they work well.
- Yes, sir.
- Go back to work.
Nazari, make sure
documents don't get lost.
- Of course, sir.
- Back to work.
Stop here.
In recent days,
the bombings have increased
in Badakhshan and Kabul.
There are reports of rocket attacks
in Zaranj and Kandahar.
Yesterday, Kofi Annan expressed concern
over the increase
in Afghan civilian casualties.
The attacks triggered a massive wave
of Afghan refugees
towards Iran and Pakistan.
Afghanistan is being bombarded.
The Americans have taken many cities.
The Taliban are fleeing.
What?
The Taliban are fleeing.
How about the people?
Hanieh dear, everyone's fleeing.
Turn it down, we're eating.
Why aren't you eating, Mohammad?
I'm full, I ate at school.
Why were you late?
We were at the woodshop,
making tables.
The kid is talented,
they overwork him.
He's learning the craft.
Trade jobs can make a lot of money.
If Leila had a card,
I'd send her to a seamstress school.
Qasem, she can learn sewing later.
She'd better get married
and build a family.
God willing.
Any news from her suitor?
Hossein is a good man.
He went to Anzali for work.
We're waiting for his return.
God bless.
When will you get married, Qasem?
I'll take care of Leila first,
my turn will come.
God willing.
Thanks, that was delicious.
My pleasure, honey.
Where are you going, Leila?
To feed the dogs.
- Be quick, it's cold.
- Yes, brother.
If you're not eating,
go take care of your rows.
You're behind.
No sleep until you're done.
OK, Dad.
Hi.
Why are you late?
I was waiting for Qasem to sleep.
- Here, I corrected your exercises.
- Thanks.
- Do you want to practice?
- No.
You have work to do, I won't bother you.
We'll do it tomorrow.
I'll come earlier tomorrow.
Thank you.
Did you find Rex?
Yes, but he is hurt.
I think someone hit him.
Does he need a bandage?
I found some in the kitchen.
I'll bring you more crates.
Thank you.
When did you go home?
At dusk.
- Did they ask about us?
- No.
They think I'm the only Afghan here.
- What if they find out?
- They won't.
You guys look like Iranians.
He's right,
I don't think they'll find out.
Even if they do,
just have your cards with you.
What did your father say?
I didn't tell him.
Why?
What can he do about it?
Won't you tell the principal?
It's over.
Let it go!
They're here again.
Let's go back.
I have my card. Don't be afraid.
I'm telling you I have my card.
Go first.
I don't have mine.
Yes, Mohammad,
we'll be right behind you.
You'll help us here
while we control your residence status.
Who knows construction work?
Grab a hatchet and help the others.
And you, take the shelves apart.
- Can you do this?
- Yes.
Rouzbahani!
You've been twiddling
with that forever. Hurry!
It's stuck.
What's stuck?
Let me see.
Block it from behind
and pull the wrench.
Like this.
When it's loose...
you can unscrew it
with your hand.
Got it?
Sir?
Can I go home early?
I have something important to do.
Is the food that bad here?
There will be no more food today.
They haven't been soldiers,
their stomachs can't take it.
You guys come here a couple of times.
I have 14 more months to slave away.
Rookie dog!
I'm done in twenty days.
Don't brag, idiot,
that's for me to decide!
Who is married here?
Send these two home early.
Yes, sir.
I'm engaged.
Too late.
The kid will also say
he's engaged.
He'd be a cute bride!
Sit down.
Send four men
to the laundry room.
Yes, sir.
Finish quickly, I need a ride.
Put chains on the tires, it's snowing.
Yes, sir.
You, you and you two.
To the laundry room after lunch.
The others, eat fast,
we have to go to the armory.
Nice work.
Thank you.
Aren't you cold?
I don't want my clothes to get dirty.
What grade are you in?
First year of high school.
At the laundry room,
you would have finished very late.
I'll let you go in an hour or two.
Why do you want to leave early?
I have things to do.
You have a girlfriend?
No.
Asghari!
Why don't you answer?
The captain's asking
who's on night shift.
- I'm coming.
- Hurry.
I said hurry!
Go?
Go, went, gone.
I went to the beach yesterday.
Eat?
Eat, ate,
eaten.
She usually eat sandwich.
Eats. The end takes an S.
Why?
It's third person singular.
Good.
Turn?
Turn, turned, turned.
I turned the table.
Don't worry, it must be the wind.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Lie?
Lie,
lied, lied.
You lied about your school last night.
Take?
Where were you yesterday?
I told you.
At the woodshop.
Your clothes are full of sawdust
after woodshop.
Where did you go after school?
Mohammad...
Won't you tell me?
Why are you telling me so late?
Does your father know?
No, sir, I didn't tell him.
Tell him to come see me tomorrow.
Can you please not tell him?
Why?
Because he can't do much about it.
He'll only get upset.
Are the copies ready?
Thank you.
Alright.
Let me see what I can do.
Go wash your face
and go back to class.
Najafi!
Yes, sir?
Give this kid a work uniform.
Send him to the archive
when he's done.
Sure.
Here.
Clean as new.
Thanks.
Tell me...
Have we treated you badly here?
No.
So why was your principal here?
I didn't tell him, he found out himself.
He nearly pissed his pants
when he saw the captain.
You're lucky I like you.
Otherwise I'd deport you immediately.
Anything else?
No.
- It's dirty outside, change here.
- It's OK.
Look at me when I'm talking to you!
Change right here.
We don't know who is responsible
for this wrongdoing.
But I promise they won't get off easily.
The little prick who did this
should denounce himself.
Everyone's final grade will be lowered
until we find out who did it.
I won't be hard on him
if he comes to me.
But if I find him, I'll give him hell.
If anyone knows who the culprit is,
he'd better tell me now.
Telling me won't get you in trouble.
But if any of you knows
and doesn't tell,
he will be expelled.
Expelled!
He will keep the cast on for six weeks.
I'll prescribe some drugs for him
to get at the pharmacy.
Thank you, Doctor.
What happened to your face?
I got in a fight.
- Are we done, Doctor?
- Yes.
He should stay here for a moment
and if he's not dizzy, he can go.
Moradi, I must get back to the school.
You go straight home.
- Understood?
- Yes.
- Thank you, Doctor.
- Goodbye.
Let's go.
Get going, are you looking for trouble?
10 years later
Chapter II - Leila
Anzali, 2010
Like a cherry tree in April
My soul bloomed
Got a pocket full of blooms
With no one to offer them to
Oh the soulful breeze
Blow in my direction tonight
Or else I won't stay in bloom
Until the dawn
Hossein?
Hossein dear?
Why have you left the cement bags
at the entrance?
Behnam will be here soon
and make a fuss.
Come on, they'll be here any minute.
Hossein...
Hossein?
Good God...
Hossein, can you hear me?
Hossein, can you hear me?
Hossein!
Open your mouth!
Can you hear me?
Open your mouth, Hossein...
Please...
Hossein, don't you hear me?
Open your mouth.
Open it...
Open your mouth...
Hello, sir.
Where were you, Leila?
Sorry, I was in the kitchen.
Hi, Leila, how are you?
- Leave the gate open.
- Sure.
- Please, unload the trunk.
- OK.
- Hello, Leila.
- Hello, Farshid.
- How are you?
- Good, thank you.
- Let me help you.
- I take this one.
- Farshid, give me a hand.
- Coming.
- I'm glad we made it.
- Me too.
- Hurry up.
- Sir yes sir!
Don't overload me.
- Negin, you shouldn't carry this.
- I'm fine.
I'll go shopping.
OK, love. Don't forget the firewood.
Alright.
Anyone need anything?
- Shampoo, please.
- We're good.
Cigarettes!
- You'll get flashed on the road.
- You drive like a snail!
Why are the cinder blocks here?
It's for the back wall construction.
- Haven't they started yet?
- No, it just arrived yesterday.
- Why so late?
- I don't know.
Tell Hossein to put them away for now.
OK, sir.
Hi, are they here?
Yes.
- Where are you going?
- To change.
Daddy's sleeping.
You can change later.
Come help me for now.
Mom, today
at football,
Amirali tried to trip me.
But I dodged and he fell down instead.
- I scored and we won 3-0.
- Well done.
Behnam's here!
Don't say Dad's sleeping.
- He's at work.
- OK.
Be careful.
- Are you scared of firecrackers?
- Can I light one?
Not alone, we'll do it later
on the beach.
- Alright?
- Yes.
What the heck?
Isn't Hossein home yet?
No, he's still at work.
We have guests!
- Call him and tell him to hurry.
- I will.
- There you go, your turn.
- My turn.
Bragging already.
I'll show you how to play.
Silence.
Stop touching them all.
- Why not?
- That's the rule.
Negin bought me a plane!
- My turn?
- Don't run!
Easy.
Leila, could you please
open the window?
Sure.
That's a double Jenga!
- Really?
- Watch this.
Aren't you done with your tower?
Look at this!
It's gonna fall!
Just watch.
You jerk!
Enough with the game!
It was a good game!
Clear it out.
- Not cool!
- Let's have a drink.
You came here to play games?
Bring your glasses.
Cheers!
May we meet in Toronto soon!
- In the eyes!
- Cheers.
Why the hell are you leaving?
I could have raised your kid!
Give me a break!
I'm still raising you!
Leila dear?
Yes, ma'am?
This scarf is a new year's gift for you.
Thank you, ma'am.
My pleasure.
And this is a shirt for Hossein.
You shouldn't have.
Thank you, sir.
Behnam, Leila is thanking you.
You're welcome.
Wear it so I can see.
I have work to do,
I don't want it to get dirty.
- Sorry.
- Not at all.
- Omid darling, do these too.
- OK.
- Aren't you coming to the beach?
- We'll join you later.
Please prepare our guests' beds.
Yes, as soon as I'm done here.
Mom, should I wake Dad to come help?
Dad is resting,
I'll wake him up soon.
Hossein is home?
He just came back
from the construction site.
- He was tired, I told him to rest.
- I see.
Omid, bring the salad...
God!
It's nothing. No, Omid!
Bring the chicken to Behnam. Go!
- Sorry, I don't know what happened.
- Don't worry.
- I'll take care of it.
- It's fine.
Should we take Hossein
to the doctor tomorrow?
Why?
Every time Hossein isn't well,
you're like this.
No, I'd tell you if anything was wrong.
He's worked hard, he's just drained.
Let's do it while we're still in Iran.
Behnam and I would be reassured.
He doesn't want to do a check-up.
Take it easy. Get the broom.
They won't ask you for residency cards
at the hospital.
When they see we don't have insurance,
they start asking questions.
If ever the police get involved,
you would get into trouble too.
I don't know, Leila.
It's up to you.
Just tell him to come see Behnam.
Sure.
I'll tell Massoud to check on him later.
He hasn't run out of pills?
No, he has enough.
Was it one of our guests?
- What is it?
- She got scared by a dog!
- Watch the barbecue for me.
- OK.
I went there to pee
and she suddenly screamed.
You left her alone?
You know she's afraid of dogs.
These are domesticated.
I can't help it, they scare me.
- Where are they?
- They ran away.
You scared them,
they're on the run!
- Come on!
- What if they come in the yard?
Why would they?
They will, for the chicken!
Don't tease her.
Let's go inside and close the gate.
They can always enter
through the broken wall.
- Leila, give them some food.
- I will.
Otherwise they won't leave us alone.
Let's go and eat.
And you promised to sing.
Behnam, this wall was supposed
to be fixed two years ago.
Construction delays...
Sorry for your loss, sister.
Does anyone know?
No, no one found out.
Wait until they leave,
then we'll figure it out.
Qasem, they're staying for a week.
What should I do alone?
Don't let anyone find out.
If the ambulance and police come,
you and Omid will be deported.
There's nothing you can do.
Can't you come here?
It's not easy
to get a travel document.
If I come illegally,
I'd be deported.
I'll find a way
to come and join you.
I don't know
how long it can take.
Hide the body until they leave.
Leila, can you hear me?
Leila?
Can you hear me?
We'll have left Iran by then.
What are you doing
at the construction site?
Send two workers here for now.
What's the rush? We're chilling.
Let's go and see the fireworks.
Here.
Can I have an olive?
The fireworks have started already.
Let's tell the neighbors
to join us on the shore.
Good idea, the more the merrier.
- Where's Behnam?
- On the phone.
Let's go to the shore
and start the fire.
We'll join you in a bit.
Pass me the tray.
Omid, bring this.
Behnam, are the fireworks in your car?
Yes, I'll get them.
Omid, come here.
Take the fireworks from the car,
bring them to the shore and wait for me.
- Leila, was Hossein at work today?
- Yes, sir.
I just talked to his boss.
He said the site closed a week ago.
That's what he told me, I don't know.
Should I believe
he's been resting all evening?
Why would I lie to you, sir?
- What does that mean?
- Behnam!
Give me a second.
Are you going to tell me?
- What should I say?
- Just tell the truth.
- Easy...
- You say something!
Calm down.
That's all you can say.
Leila, is Hossein alright?
You can tell us.
Hossein...
Hossein...
Leila...
What happened?
Come sit down.
What is it, Leila?
Hossein was deported
back to Afghanistan.
What do you mean?
Didn't I say something was wrong?
When?
Four days ago.
I came home,
he wasn't there.
His phone was off.
A friend of ours said
Hossein was coming back from the store
and got arrested.
Why didn't you tell us?
We could have done something.
I was afraid, ma'am.
I didn't want to be fired.
Don't cry, Leila,
we don't want to fire you.
Did Hossein mention his work here?
No, sir, not a word.
Are you sure
that won't cause trouble for us?
Yes, I talked to him.
If he said anything,
Omid and I would be the first in trouble.
Now don't cry.
He'll find money and come back.
He won't stay there.
Come wash your face.
Didn't I tell you to wait for me there?
There's a dead dog on the beach.
Did he drown?
No, he's dry.
Are you sure he's dead?
Massoud, can you check?
What should I do?
He's definitely not sleeping.
But why did he die?
You should poke him.
I guess he's dead.
What should we do now?
We can't leave him here.
Let's take him to the yard.
We'll see tomorrow.
Now?
What else can I do?
I'll bury him.
You can't do it on your own, Leila.
What if he's sick?
No.
I buried another dog recently.
Poor things drink from the river
and get ill.
Be careful then.
Do you need any help?
No, sir. Just keep Omid with you
until I'm done.
Omid, come here.
- Are you okay, Negin?
- Yes.
Are you scared of dead dogs too?
Let's go.
What's wrong with Leila?
She's fine. I'll tell you later.
May God bless the dead
You'll get better soon.
You'll get well.
Forgive me.
Forgive me.
10 years later
Chapter III - Qasem
Tehran - 2021
Number 48, room 2.
Number 52, room 4.
Number 60,
room 3.
Hello.
Hi, can I help you?
I got a convocation
from the Immigration Office.
Identification please?
Here.
Take the mask off please.
Thank you.
Did they say why you had to come?
No. I moved three months ago.
I haven't registered the new address.
Maybe that's the reason?
Wait here.
Mr. Esaghi,
please follow me.
So, Mr. Esaghi,
where have you been?
We asked around about you
from anyone we knew.
I'm sorry, I moved to Karaj recently.
I haven't registered
the new address yet.
Yes.
- Would like some tea?
- No, thank you.
- Is everything fine?
- Thank God.
Thank God.
How many children do you have?
Two, a girl and a boy.
God bless them.
Do they live with you in Iran?
My daughter does,
my son went to Turkey six months ago.
When did you last talk to him?
Almost a month ago.
Why are you asking?
Mr. Esaghi, I'll cut to the chase.
Your son hasn't told you
the whole truth.
What do you mean?
I don't understand.
Hamed has...
I mean, had joined,
the Iranian forces in Syria.
Is he in Syria now?
He was.
What do you mean "was"?
There was a clash in Syria
two weeks ago.
Some of ours were martyred.
Unfortunately, Hamed was one of them.
It's impossible,
it must be another Esaghi.
Mr. Esaghi, if we weren't sure...
Sir, you're mistaken.
Hamed sent me pictures
from Istanbul, look...
No need.
Listen...
Many of our Afghan brothers who join up
hide the truth from their families.
Hamed never hides anything from us.
He went to Turkey six months ago,
I took him to the border.
One moment, please.
This is Hamed's phone.
Isn't it?
Why do you have this?
Before the operation,
the boys would give their phones
to their superior.
That's how we found your number.
Please accept my condolences.
May God give you patience.
- I also lost a brother in Iran-Iraq...
- I want to see him.
We unfortunately haven't been able
to bring back the martyrs.
But I promise we will arrange this
in the next few months.
Besides, I have
some important news for you.
Hello. I'm not available right now.
Leave a message and I'll call you back.
Daddy
Hello. I'm not available right now.
Leave a message and I'll call you back.
It's perfect.
Thank you, Hanieh.
It suits him very well.
Omid darling, is it comfortable?
You look really good in it.
Thank you, Aunt Hanieh, it's wonderful.
But the pants are a bit loose.
- What?
- He says the pants are a bit loose.
I'll fix it.
Mohammad can come pick it up tomorrow.
Will you be able to finish it?
Sure, I will.
Raise the jacket.
Thank you.
My pleasure.
We won't take more of your time.
Stay a bit.
Qasem will be back soon.
No, dear, it's late.
Mohammad needs to work tomorrow.
Come to visit us this weekend.
Grandma will be visiting too.
I miss her a lot.
See you then.
We will come.
Goodbye.
Goodbye, Hanieh.
- Goodbye.
- Bye, Mohammad.
Hello.
Why are you so late?
Your sister just left.
It was busy, my turn came late.
Was the suit okay?
It needs some work,
I'll finish it tonight.
What did they want that took so long?
You won't believe it.
What?
They want
to grant the family Iranian citizenship.
Really? Why now?
Hush, Maryam is asleep.
It wasn't in the news.
What did they say?
They want to grant all Afghan families
who lived here
for more than forty years
Iranian citizenship.
The ceremony is next week.
But we have to go
to the Office tomorrow
to attend the oath rehearsal.
Call Hamed, let him know!
After the rehearsal,
I'll call him.
The kids will be so happy
when they find out!
Mommy: Hamed dear, how are you?
I have good news for you!
- Good morning, Dad.
- Morning.
What's with all that noise?
Don't be grumpy because you overslept!
- Are the gloves comfortable?
- Yes, thank you.
They're perfect.
Hamed's gloves were too loose.
But these fit.
Is Mom asleep?
Yes, she worked late.
She was supposed to sign
the consent for the fight.
And she forgot her night medicine.
I'll sign.
Let me bring it.
If I win today,
I'll get to the quarter-finals.
You will.
Is this the national tournament?
Dad! This is the provincial one!
Winners enter the national tournament.
My opponent is in fifth grade.
- Is she taller than you?
- Yes, but skinnier.
Watch your left guard.
What did I tell you?
- Left guard a bit higher.
- That's right.
Aren't you coming?
I can't, I have an errand to run
with Mom.
You promised to come for the finals.
I will.
I'll give you the date in advance,
no excuses.
The bus is here!
Good morning.
Morning.
- Did Maryam leave?
- Yes.
Would you sit down?
I need to talk to you.
Come here first.
What do you think?
The clothes for the ceremony.
There's not enough time
to make new ones.
We need to choose between these.
Look.
Me, you,
Maryam,
Hamed.
They're nice.
But it's the Great Imam's death soon.
Shouldn't we wear dark clothes?
You're right.
I'll prepare dark clothes for all of us.
Qasem?
I want to tell you something.
About Hamed.
What?
Promise me not to get mad at him.
I promise.
Hamed wants to go to Europe.
What do you mean?
He didn't dare tell you.
He's had a good job in Turkey
for three months.
It pays well.
What job?
I don't know exactly, but he said
that with the money,
he can go to Germany soon.
He'll find a better job there.
And get German citizenship
in a few years.
Now I'm afraid
he doesn't want to come here
for Iranian citizenship.
Hamed listens to you.
I'd like you to talk to him,
persuade him to come back to Iran
and get his citizenship.
Maybe then he'll stay with us for good.
I'll talk to him.
Please, without fighting.
Thank you.
What did you want to say?
You didn't take your night pills.
I forgot.
Should I fetch them?
No need.
Don't worry, I'll be fine.
In the name of our martyrs and Imams.
I salute you, my brothers and sisters.
He's welcoming us.
The people of Iran and myself
share your grief.
As you already know,
the citizenship ceremony
will be held next Monday
at 10 a.m. in this very hall.
Today, we will rehearse
the oath together.
He's saying that today,
it's just a rehearsal of the ceremony.
We will take an exam
in Iran's law and history.
And now, the main reason
why we gathered here
is to thank and honor you,
the valorous mothers and fathers
who have raised
such zealous and faithful sons.
These brave children
who fought in the name of Islam
and were martyred.
They want to honor us.
For years of contribution
to Iran's prosperity.
Ever since they came to Iran,
our Afghan brothers have proven
their fraternity multiple times.
Every time the enemy
has tried to attack
the Holy Islamic Republic of Iran,
our Afghan brothers have stood
shoulder to shoulder
with their Iranian brothers.
It is my duty to express to you
the gratitude of the Iranian people.
He's just rambling.
Keep your head high
as proud Iranians.
If he's rambling,
then I'll go get my pills.
- Should I come with you?
- No need.
Before we start the rehearsal,
let's watch a clip made
by the Foreign Martyrs' Association.
Say prayers.
On the main front,
the enemy launched a counter-offensive.
Our soldiers launched
the mini-Katyusha rockets.
I realized
that I was there to witness
the zeal of Islamic warriors,
heroes of the path of God,
and the manifestation of faith
in their blessed souls...
Hello. I'm not available right now.
Leave a message...
Why did you go out?
Were you crying?
Hamed...
isn't in Turkey.
Where's my son?
I will tell you, but before that...
What?
My love...
I want you to know,
no matter what happens...
we...
have each other.
I swear that I fully and entirely
abandon my loyalty
to the nation and government
of which I was a citizen until now.
And henceforth,
against all interior
and exterior enemies,
I will defend the Constitution of Iran
and be faithful to the laws
of the Islamic Republic.
I swear to almighty God
that in its time of need,
I will take arms
to defend Iran.
I take these obligations
of my own free will
and with no ill will in mind.
May God almighty
light my path.
Say prayers.