Following Israel’s extensive airstrikes on Iran last Friday, Tehran retaliated with missile attacks, escalating tensions in the region. In a video address that day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to the Iranian populace, stating that Israel’s mission goes beyond countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions, emphasizing that it is also about facilitating the people’s quest for freedom.
This statement has gained support from certain factions within Iran’s fragmented opposition. However, skepticism exists regarding Netanyahu’s true intentions. The Iranian regime has long suppressed dissent, leading to the absence of formal opposition groups within the country. Many groups operate from abroad, notably the pro-monarchy supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah’s son, and the exiled Mojahedin-e Khalq Organisation (MEK/MKO).
The Iranian authorities have made it increasingly difficult for journalists to communicate with insiders, imposing severe restrictions on internet access and social media. Nevertheless, recent conversations with several young Iranians, who have previously protested against the regime, shed light on diverse opinions regarding the ongoing conflict. For their safety, these individuals’ names have been altered due to the risk of imprisonment faced by dissidents in Iran.
Tara, 26, shared with the BBC that during Israel’s evacuation warnings, the Iranian authorities cut off internet access to obscure the impending strikes, resulting in increased casualties. She accused the regime of intentionally creating traffic through checkpoints to keep people in targeted zones, highlighting the absurdity of calls for unity against an enemy that has oppressed them for decades. “The enemy has been killing us slowly for decades. The enemy is the Islamic Republic!” she declared.
Amidst this context, the Israeli military continues to issue warnings via banned platforms like Telegram and X, complicating communication for ordinary Iranians. Sima, 27, expressed her desire for a swift resolution, stating, “I wish Israel would get the job done as soon as possible. I’m exhausted. Although I’m still not a fan of Israel or what it’s doing, I hope they’d finish what they’ve started.”
The tension escalated as stubborn support for Israel’s operations emerged from some youth. Amir, 23, expressed unwavering support, stating he felt no one else was willing to confront the regime: “Not the UN, not Europe, not even us. We tried, remember? And they killed us in the streets. I’m joyful when the people who’ve crushed our lives finally taste fear. We deserve that much.”
Amir referred to the protests following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old who died after being detained by police for allegedly violating hijab laws. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group has reported 537 protester fatalities at the hands of state security forces during the civil unrest. The Iranian government, however, claims its security forces acted responsibly, blaming the violence on protesters and foreign interference.
Netanyahu echoed the protest slogan “woman, life, freedom” in his call for Iranians to challenge their regime, yet the Iranian government has not formally responded. Many hardliners have mocked Netanyahu’s appeal, while authorities have cautioned against sharing messages from Israeli and U.S. officials.
Nevertheless, doubts about Netanyahu’s motivations remain among some Iranians. Navid, a 25-year-old activist, reflected on his prior hopes for regime change: “I just don’t see how the regime could be overthrown in this conflict without Iran itself being destroyed in the process,” he expressed, adding that Israel’s actions might turn public sentiment in favor of the Islamic Republic.
Darya, 26, remarked on the lack of protests as a response to Netanyahu’s words, stating, “I wouldn’t go even if Israel bombed my house. Netanyahu is hiding behind Iranian nationalist slogans and pretends he’s helping Iranians reach freedom while he’s targeted residential areas. It’s going to take years just to rebuild the country.”
Arezou, 22, articulated her internal struggle: “I hate the regime, and I hate what it’s done to us. But when I see bombs falling, I think of my grandmother, my little cousin. This isn’t about us, it’s about [Israeli] politics. I feel like I have to choose between two evils, and I can’t. I just want my people safe. I want to breathe without fear.”
Mina, 27, concluded, “I want this regime gone more than anything – but not like this. Not through more bombs, more death. Israel is not our savior. When innocent people die, it’s not a step toward freedom; it’s another form of injustice. I don’t want to trade one kind of terror for another. I’m against this regime and also against this war. We deserve a better way out than this.