Divided Loyalties: Young Iranians Grapple with Foreign Intervention

Young Iranians opposing the regime find themselves split in their response to Israeli airstrikes on Iran, with some viewing it as hope for liberation while others see it as a threat to their homeland and more death.

Last Friday, Israel escalated its military campaign against Iran with extensive airstrikes, leading to a retaliatory missile barrage from Tehran. In a video message, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed these operations aimed not only to disrupt Iran's nuclear ambitions but also to support Iranians in their quest for personal freedom.

This statement has ignited stark divisions within Iran's fragmented opposition, with some young activists expressing their backing, while others question the sincerity of Israel's intentions. The Iranian authorities have long suppressed dissent, making it nearly impossible for official opposition groups to form domestically. Most organized dissenters operate from overseas, like the pro-monarchy advocates of Reza Pahlavi and the exiled Mojahedin-e Khalq Organisation (MEK/MKO).

Despite the crackdown on communication, several young anti-regime Iranians shared their perspectives on the ongoing conflict, albeit under aliases for their safety. Tara, 26, criticized the government's tactics of blocking internet access during Israeli airstrikes, which she believes exacerbates the suffering of civilians. She passionately declared, “The real enemy has been the Islamic Republic which has imposed suffering on us for decades.”

Some have taken a more drastic viewpoint. Sima, 27, admitted her exhaustion with the regime, stating, “I wish Israel would get the job done as soon as possible,” despite being uncomfortable with their methods. Meanwhile, Amir, 23, expressed unwavering support for Israel’s military actions, believing that no one else was in a position to challenge the oppressive regime.

References to widespread protests following the death of Masha Amini in 2022, where over 500 demonstrators lost their lives to state violence, sharpened the criticism against Iranian authorities. Participants in these protests, which were driven by the slogan "woman, life, freedom," seem torn between a yearning for regime change and the fear that external bombings might annihilate any hope for reform.

However, not all young Iranians resonate with Netanyahu’s calls for uprising. Navid, a 25-year-old activist, expressed concerns that warfare might destabilize Iran even further. Darya, 26, raised skepticism about the collective apathy towards protests, stating, “I wouldn't protest even if Israel bombed my house.” She believes Netanyahu’s intentions are aimed more at political gain than genuine support for the Iranian populace.

Others echoed similar sentiments—Arezou, 22, revealed her internal conflict: “I hate the regime, and I hate what it's done to us, but I also fear for my family.” Mina, 27, summarized this profound dilemma by stating, “I don’t want to trade one kind of terror for another. We deserve a better way out than this.”

As tensions rise, the complexity of their situation illustrates the multifaceted struggles of young Iranians—caught in a web of oppressive governance and the chaotic interplay of foreign military interventions. These voices highlight the urgent need for thoughtful dialogue on achieving true freedom without inciting further violence.