Iran’s War-Weariness: A Nation Divided as Conflict Drags On
“I hear rumors that Trump and Netanyahu want to end the war,” says a 37-year-old man from Tehran. “But you can’t just stop halfway through, can you? That’s a scary thought. Not the bombs, but being left alone with this regime again.”
This sentiment, shared with the NOS by a rare contact within Iran – access severely limited by government restrictions – encapsulates the growing unease within the country as the conflict with the US and Israel continues. Many Iranians are finding it difficult to connect to the outside world, and fear retribution for speaking to journalists.
A Spectrum of Opinions
Reports from within Iran reveal a divided populace. A 60-year-old woman from Rasht expressed her frustration: “I hate this war, it must stop.” She questioned the motives of outside powers, stating, “It amazes me how unaware people can be. Naive young people think foreign leaders care about us, but they only care about resources. Oil, oil, oil. They don’t care about our freedom.”
Shifting Support for the War
Iran expert Peyman Jafari notes a shift in public opinion. Those who initially supported the war, fueled by anger after protests in January and the reported deaths of thousands, are now questioning whether it’s the right path to regime change.
Following the protests – where, according to the Iranian-American human rights organization Hrana, over 7,000 people were killed (though the actual number may be higher) – many hoped for a swift resolution. Jafari explains, “They thought it might lead to salvation.”
Still, this hope is waning as the country faces destruction and civilian casualties increase. A growing number are turning against the war, recognizing its devastating consequences.
The Regime’s Resilience
Despite the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Iranian regime remains in power. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has taken over, continuing his father’s hardline policies. This suggests limited immediate change within the country.
Jafari believes the regime is unlikely to fall quickly. “The fact that the regime is still standing after the highest leader was killed shows that Iran is a different kind of dictatorship than, for example, Saudi Arabia or Egypt. It doesn’t depend on one man. There is a political, military and economic elite in the country with a lot of power who have every interest in the Islamic Republic continuing to exist.”
Calls for Internal Uprising
Despite the regime’s resilience, President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu continue to urge the Iranian people to rise up against the government. Opposition leader Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, also echoes this call from the United States.
Some Iranians remain hopeful. “We are ready to take to the streets and take over the city,” says the man from Tehran. However, others are hesitant, fearing for their families’ safety. “I don’t agree that we should take to the streets now,” says another Iranian. “I can’t do it. I don’t live for myself, I also take care of my family. The risk is that I will be killed in the protests and then my family will also be ruined.”
Jafari anticipates future protests but believes they are unlikely to occur during or immediately after the current conflict. “The anger towards this regime runs deep. So at some point, residents will be heard again. But I think many people are now paralyzed. They are stuck between repression from within and aggression from outside. It hasn’t made things any easier.”
Did you know?
Iran heavily restricts internet access, making it extremely difficult for journalists to report from within the country and for citizens to communicate with the outside world.
FAQ
Q: Is there widespread support for the war in Iran?
A: Opinions are divided. Initial support has waned as the war’s consequences become clearer.
Q: What is the current state of the Iranian regime?
A: The regime remains in power despite the death of its Supreme Leader, with his son continuing hardline policies.
Q: Are protests likely in Iran?
A: Experts believe protests are likely in the future, but not necessarily immediately following the current conflict.
Q: What are the main concerns of Iranians regarding the war?
A: Concerns include the destruction of their country, civilian casualties, and the potential for continued repression.
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