In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-led coalition, a profound shift in sentiment among anti-regime Iranians has emerged. The initial hope that the US and Israel would intervene to overthrow the oppressive regime, following years of arrests, disappearances, and mass killings of protesters, has given way to a sense of disillusionment and despair. The brutal reality of the war, with its devastating impact on civilian infrastructure and cultural heritage, has left many questioning the intentions of the intervening forces.
Amir, a student at the University of Tehran, embodies this transformation. Initially hopeful that the US and Israel would bring about change, he now feels betrayed. The Israeli strikes on fuel depots in Tehran, including the devastating attack on the Shahran oil depot, have shattered his trust. Amir's words reflect a growing sentiment: "I genuinely believe now they [the US and Israel] didn’t have a plan. I was still hoping I was wrong, but the Shahran attack changed the way I look at this war right now."
The destruction of cultural heritage sites, such as the Golestan Palace and the Chehel Sotoon Palace, has further fueled the anti-regime sentiment. The question of how these priceless historical treasures will be rebuilt and the lives of those killed in the war restored, hangs heavy in the air. The fear of Iran becoming another Iraq, a country ravaged by US intervention, looms large.
The anti-regime movement in Iran, often sparked by political unrest, economic turmoil, or the repression of women's rights, has a long history. Despite the heavily restricted media climate and the dangers of open dissent, protest movements have persisted. The Woman, Life, Freedom movement in 2022 and the recent wave of protests in late December exemplify the resilience of the Iranian people in their quest for change.
However, the war has introduced a new layer of complexity. The reports of newborn babies being killed in the strikes have led many to conclude that three governments are now responsible for the deaths of Iranians. The perception of military intervention has shifted, and the idea of carpet bombing in Tehran has further eroded trust.
As the conflict continues, the anti-regime Iranians' disillusionment with the US and Israel deepens. The initial hope for a better future has been replaced by a sense of abandonment and a growing desire for the regime's removal. The question remains: can the international community truly bring about the change that the Iranian people desperately seek?
