Last Friday, Israel conducted a major airstrike in Iran, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging Tehran to retaliate to missile barrages. In a video message, he claimed Israel was “clearing the path to achieving your freedom” while also aiming to block Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Some factions of Iran’s fractured opposition support Netanyahu, although there is distrust about his intentions.
There are no official opposition groups within Iran due to oppressive regimes, leading many factions to operate from abroad. Despite limited communication due to internet restrictions, young Iranians expressed their views. One, Tara, highlighted that authorities cut internet access following evacuation warnings to prevent people from escaping and allow death tolls to rise. Another, Shima, expressed exhaustion and a desire for Israel to eliminate the threat from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is led by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Support for Israeli strikes varied among those interviewed. Amir, 23, expressed full support, believing no one else is prepared to challenge the regime. This sentiment is partly fueled by memories of government crackdowns on protests, including the death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked widespread unrest.
Despite Netanyahu’s call to action, reactions within Iran were mixed, with some hardliners deriding his message. Activists like Navid expressed skepticism about how change could occur without harming Iran further. Darya remarked that the lack of protest is already a response to Netanyahu’s call, and Alezu felt torn about the consequences of bombing, fearing for her family’s safety. Mina articulated discontent with both the Iranian regime and Israeli actions, emphasizing that the loss of innocent lives only leads to more injustice.
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