‘What if we’re left with ruins?’: Doubts creep in for Iranians who supported war
What if we’re left with ruins?’: Doubts creep in for Iranians who supported war
As the conflict drags on, some Iranians who once cheered the war are now haunted by its consequences. A resident of Tehran shared with the BBC: “We thought they’d eliminate the top leaders and the system would crumble within days, but now, in the second week, I’m waking every night to the sound of explosions.” Her initial optimism has given way to rising frustration, reflecting a broader shift among critics of the government. While the war was once seen as a path to political transformation, its escalating toll is prompting a reevaluation of its costs and outcomes.
Many foreign officials, including Israeli and American leaders, have framed the campaign as targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure to curb its threats. However, some, like former US President Donald Trump, suggested the ultimate aim could be regime change. For Iranians who oppose the clerical leadership, this idea initially sparked hope. Yet, as the conflict intensifies, the reality of civilian suffering is hard to ignore, complicating their perspective.
“For years we have protested,” said Sama, a 31-year-old engineer. “Every time they silence us, they kill us.” When the strikes began, she believed the regime would collapse. “I thought, this is what the system can’t survive,” she recalled. Her joy turned to fear after reports surfaced of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, being targeted. “I was screaming in happiness when the big news was confirmed,” she said. But as the weeks passed, her outlook darkened. “Now I see some are terrified, and people I know are wondering if their neighbourhood will be next.” Sleep has become elusive, with nightmares and explosions disrupting her nights.
Displacement figures highlight the human cost. The UN Refugee Agency estimates that 600,000 to one million Iranian households have been temporarily moved within the country due to the ongoing conflict. This represents up to 3.2 million individuals, a number expected to grow as fighting continues. The surge in displacement underscores a worsening humanitarian crisis.
“This fanatic regime brought us this war,” said Mina, a 28-year-old teacher. “But when you see massive fires and hear explosions, when you see young children afraid and crying, you start thinking about whether this can ruin the country you love and live in.” Some friends who once openly discussed toppling the government have grown more cautious, fearing the war might only strengthen the existing power structure. “What if we are left with ruins and the same mullahs and the same government? Only more oppressive and more defiant?” she questioned.
Ali, a 31-year-old shopkeeper injured during protests in January, voices concerns about instability. “Everyone talks about ‘regime change’ like it’s a simple switch,” he said. “But who will take power? What stops the country from falling into chaos, even if they somehow manage to bring the regime down?” The uncertainty weighs heavily on dissenters, even those who fiercely oppose the government. “I want freedom,” he admitted. “But I also want a country that can endure the change.”