We’ve been speaking to Iranians during one week of war. Here’s what they said
One Week of Conflict: Voices from Iran’s Streets
A week into the escalating conflict, Hamid, a Tehran resident who chose to remain anonymous, was gripped by excitement after learning of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death. He led his family outside their home to celebrate, a moment that quickly transformed into a routine of observing airstrikes from their rooftop, cheering each time a target of the regime was struck.
Amid a police state under bombardment, and with internet access tightly controlled, gauging public sentiment across Iran’s 90 million population remains a challenge. Tehraners were warned that sustained online activity could result in judicial referrals, prompting many to conceal their opinions. Despite this, a few voices have emerged, revealing a blend of hope and trepidation.
Contradictory Emotions in the Shadow of War
“Try to find anywhere else on this earth where the population would be happy with an external attack on their country,” he told me through a cousin in the UK. “But we now have hope that the regime will soon be gone. We are happy.”
Hamid is not alone. BBC Persian, the organization’s Persian language service, reaches 24 million global users, mostly in Iran, despite being blocked and jammed by domestic authorities. In a country where dissent is met with caution, the service serves as a lifeline for those seeking information.
Ali, another Iranian, voiced skepticism about the war’s purpose. “The goal of this war isn’t to bring about freedom or democracy for the Iranian people,” he said. “It’s for the geopolitical benefit of Israel, the US and Arab countries in the region.”
Mohammad, a 30-something in Tehran, initially believed a deal between the US and Iran could have averted the crisis. ‘Deep down, I always hoped an agreement would be made,’ he explained. However, he admitted, ‘I felt nothing at Khamenei’s death. Now I’m filled with uncertainty about the future, especially with checkpoints and aerial attacks constant.’
A woman described the emotional rollercoaster many Iranians experience. ‘We laugh and are happy when the regime is hit, but when children die and our infrastructure is destroyed, we worry about the future of our country,’ she said. ‘One woman told me that I would have to live in Iran for 40 years to understand the complexity of what she and other Iranians are now feeling.’
A Regime in Crisis
While the Islamic Republic still has loyalists, its opposition is divided. Some cheer US and Israeli strikes, while others question the long-term consequences. Saeed, another participant, accused the Trump administration of deception. ‘Trump’s government – from top to bottom – they’re all lying. They had no reason to attack Iran. Other than Israel wanted them to.’
The deadliest strike of the war occurred on 28 February, when an elementary school in Minab was hit, killing children. Yet, few voices from the victims’ families have been heard, and supporters of the regime are increasingly silent. Many Iranians, however, see the ongoing war as their only path to freedom, despite the chaos it has unleashed.
In a WhatsApp message to the BBC last Saturday, Hamid’s cousin in the UK captured the paradox of many. ‘I hate wars, I don’t want a single innocent human being killed or harmed no matter which side they are on, but I’m jumping for joy at the news of the attacks this morning,’ she wrote. ‘I know, it’s contradictory and mad but it’s the truth. The thought that the dream of freedom from the murderous Ayatollahs might finally be turning into a reality is making me giddy with joy.’
As the week concluded, the BBC sought her help in reconnecting with Hamid. His cousin was unable to reach him, but she stood by her stance. ‘Please don’t judge me,’ she said. ‘But I think the strikes must continue. They’
