The United States and Israel launched military attacks against Iran on 28 February. After US President Donald Trump publicly called for a regime change in the Middle Eastern nation, the campaign was launched.
A number of critics initially believed that outside pressure would weaken the system. The thought that military action could create the path to political change. As the war continues, more and more people question whether it is worth the cost.
Milad is a software engineer from the southern Iranian province of Khuzestan. He believes that current policies are already causing serious harm to Iran. He fears that the current leadership could make the situation worse.
During times of peace, he says that the government failed to deliver the country. Iran is struggling with water shortages and a poor economy. A lot of young people feel that they don’t have much hope in the future.
Growing doubts about war promises
Doubts grow even among those who continue to support military force. Even among those who still support military pressure, doubts are growing.
Trump told Iranians in a letter sent after the start of the war that, once the fighting was over, the citizens would be able to take back control. These words were once encouraging to some protestors and activists.
Saeed, an Iranian young man who took part in anti-government protests this year, claims he used to believe that outside forces were the only means of challenging the system. Many people felt powerless after years of internal protests that brought very little change.
Saeed says that Washington’s statements often shift, which causes confusion for people who are watching the conflict.Some Iranians want reform and political freedom, but they are also afraid of the potential destruction war could bring.
Many citizens are most concerned about what happens after the war ends. No one can predict who will control the country if leadership weakens.
The public’s perception of Iran is still shaped by this uncertainty. Some people support the outside pressure while others are concerned that the war will leave Iran damaged and not bring real change.
