Young Iranians Torn Between Regime Change and the Price of War

As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, young Iranians opposed to the regime face a moral dilemma regarding external military intervention. While some express a desire for Israeli strikes to dismantle the oppressive regime, others fear the collateral damage and broader implications of such actions.

Last Friday, Israel intensified its military campaign against Iran, triggering a fierce missile response from Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed this operation not only as a move against Iran's nuclear ambitions but also as a call for freedom to the Iranian populace. However, this approach has polarized the country's fractured opposition.

Inside Iran, where dissent is ruthlessly suppressed, any organized opposition is almost non-existent. Most Iranian activists operate from abroad, including notable factions like the exiled supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran, and the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organisation (MEK/MKO). Official channels to communicate with insiders have been severely restricted, complicating efforts for external reporting.

Despite the challenges, several young Iranians, previously active in protests against the regime, have shared their views. Many used pseudonyms to protect their identities from government reprisals. Tara, a 26-year-old, highlighted the regime's tactics of limiting internet access during strikes to increase casualties. She criticizes the narrative of unity against an enemy that has oppressed Iranians for decades.

Others express a complex relationship with the situation. Sima, 27, reveals her frustration, stating she wishes for Israel to act decisively against the regime, although she admits her discomfort regarding Israel itself. Amir, 23, whole-heartedly supports Israel's strikes, believing that no alternative exists for dismantling the Islamic Republic.

While these viewpoints resonate with a segment of the opposition, skepticism also permeates the discourse. Activists like Navid, 25, voice concerns over the potential for widespread devastation if the conflict escalates, causing doubts about whether any meaningful change can arise without further chaos.

Darya, 26, perceives the lack of protest participation as a clear rebuttal to Netanyahu's message, pointing out the destructive implications of his military actions. Similarly, Arezou, 22, struggles with the tragedy of warfare, recounting the pain of innocent lives impacted by both the Iranian regime and Israeli actions.

Mina, 27, encapsulates the feelings of many young Iranians when she reflects on preferring a peaceful regime change to violence, opposing both oppressive governance and the chaos of military intervention. As discussions linger, the sentiment is clear: for many, the stakes are high, and the path toward freedom remains fraught with uncertainty.