A woman from Iran has shared a powerful message: “This war isn’t our choice, and we don’t support it.” She speaks with conviction, her face largely hidden except for her eyes, conveying a sense of desperation and fear—not towards external powers like Israel or the U.S., but towards her own government. “We can’t fight back with bare hands, so we ask for help,” she states.
This anonymous woman, one of many voicing their opposition, expresses solidarity with the U.S. and Israel in hopes of halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Surprisingly, during the ongoing conflict, many in Iran remain critical of the national narrative. Another individual remarked, “We haven’t rallied around our flag because this doesn’t represent us.”
There’s a noticeable disconnect between the wishes of the Iranian populace and the intentions of their government. According to Karim Sajadpur from the Carnegie Endowment, “Iranians aspire to be like South Korea, while their regime wants them to resemble North Korea.” It’s a troubling contrast.
Iran is facing a profound internal crisis. A recent survey shows that only 22% of citizens prefer the current Islamic Republic, with 86% attributing the country’s economic struggles to inefficiency and corruption. Netanyahu’s rhetoric aims to exploit this growing rift between the government and its citizens. He stresses that his fight is against the regime, not the Iranian people, stating, “We’re clearing the way for your freedom.”
In some media broadcasts, even nostalgic songs have gained attention, with one dedicated to Netanyahu as a gesture of gratitude for his support in the call for Iranian freedom.
Conversing with young Iranians reveals a mix of cynicism and cautious hope. For instance, Irvin, a 21-year-old college student, expressed how his generation feels trapped between a desire for liberation and the oppressive regime holding them down: “We aspire to join the first world but find ourselves shackled in the second.”
Many Iranians, driven by frustration, leave the country annually. A staggering number, approximately 180,000 in 2019, head to North America and Europe, often possessing valuable skills. While exact figures on this “brain drain” can be hard to track, it is believed to be costing Iran’s economy about $150 billion annually.
The government dismisses these expatriates as traitors, an attitude that only enhances the resolve of those who remain. The situation is alarming, as many anticipate that the regime’s oppressive tactics will inevitably lead to its decline. Meanwhile, efforts by Prince Reza Pallavi are underway to unify opposition and promote a transition to democracy.
The recent war has also raised new hopes, supported by Western powers, targeting key institutions within Iran’s governmental structure.
“This regime must fall,” urges the masked woman, her voice filled with urgency. “If these wounds remain untreated, they will affect us all—here in Europe, in America. We need assistance.”
