A Nation Divided: Young Iranians Oppose Regime But Fear Israel’s War
As Israeli airstrikes hit Iran in a bid to derail Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and target senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders, many young Iranians—already opposed to their government—find themselves torn.
In a recent video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Iranians his military actions were aimed not only at stopping nuclear threats but also at clearing a path for their freedom.
This message has sparked deep division among Iran’s anti-regime youth.
Mixed Reactions: ‘Israel Is Not Our Saviour’
For some, Netanyahu’s statement resonates. For others, it reeks of political manipulation.
Voices from Inside Iran
Despite strict internet blackouts and surveillance, the BBC spoke with several young Iranians who previously took part in the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests—a movement sparked by the death of Masha Amini in police custody.
“Talking about patriotism or unity is absurd,” said Tara, 26. “The enemy has been killing us slowly for decades. The enemy is the Islamic Republic!”
Tara accused the regime of intentionally creating traffic bottlenecks and cutting internet access during Israeli evacuation warnings—moves she believes are designed to raise civilian casualties.
Anger and Exhaustion: Support for Israeli Strikes
Others are more direct in their support of Israeli intervention.
“I wish Israel would finish what they started,” said Sima, 27. “I’m tired. I just want them to rid us of the IRGC and Khamenei.”
Amir, 23, echoed that sentiment even more forcefully:
“Not the UN, not Europe, not even us can stop them. We tried, remember? And they killed us in the streets. Let them feel fear for once.”
These voices reflect a growing desperation among a generation that feels abandoned by the world and betrayed by their own leadership.
⚠️ Skepticism Runs Deep: “It’s Not About Us”
But not all opposition voices are convinced Israel’s airstrikes will bring true change.
“Israel is killing ordinary people too,” said Navid, 25, who was briefly detained during the 2022 protests. “You can’t overthrow the regime by destroying the country.”
Darya, 26, dismissed Netanyahu’s appeal:
“If Israel bombed my house, I still wouldn’t protest for him. This isn’t about our freedom—it’s about their politics.”
Arezou, 22, added emotionally:
“I hate the regime, but I also think of my grandmother, my little cousin. Netanyahu doesn’t care about us. I just want to breathe without fear.”
“Not Like This”: The Demand for a Peaceful Future
Many Iranians oppose the regime but reject war as the solution.
“I want this regime gone more than anything—but not like this,” said Mina, 27. “When innocent people die, it’s not freedom. It’s more injustice.”
As the conflict intensifies and the death toll rises, these voices reveal a deep moral conflict: choosing between a brutal regime and the dangers of foreign military intervention.
It’s a choice between two evils—and for many young Iranians, neither leads to true liberation.
