In Iran, hope gives way to fear as conflict rages on
In Iran, hope gives way to fear as conflict rages on
A month into the US-Israeli bombardment of Iran, optimism for regime collapse has been overshadowed by rising anxiety. DW interviewed Iranians about the shifting sentiment as the war drags on. Initially, the attacks sparked optimism among some Iranians, who viewed the military pressure as a chance to destabilize the Islamic Republic. US President Donald Trump had even urged the Iranian populace to “take over your government,” suggesting that the current situation might offer a rare opportunity for political transformation.
Initial Optimism Fades
However, as the conflict stretched into its fourth week, the focus shifted from regime weakening to civilian casualties and societal strain. The clerical leadership remains intact, with daily life growing more uncertain. “Despite the destruction, the government is still standing,” a Tehran resident, speaking under an alias, told DW. “This has led to a loss of confidence in the war’s outcome and a surge in public apprehension.”
The Turning Point in Public Perception
Early in the conflict, some Iranians anticipated that foreign strikes might ignite widespread unrest, particularly given the country’s recent anti-government protests. But the ongoing violence has altered that narrative. The bombing of a girls’ school in Minab highlighted this change, symbolizing the transition from hope to dread. Civilian losses and heightened insecurity have become part of everyday life, with the war’s impact no longer seen as a catalyst for change but as a prolonged test of endurance.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Psychological Toll of the War
For many Iranians, the fear is not just of immediate harm but of the long-term consequences. “Employees are still being forced to report to work, even as air strikes threaten every corner,” the anonymous source added. “Absence from public duties is now seen as defiance, adding pressure to comply with the status quo.”
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Uncertainty about the war’s end and its aftermath has deepened. Many worry that if the Islamic Republic endures, it will emerge with its traditional challenges intact—compounded by economic strain, damaged infrastructure, and renewed crackdowns. Babak Dorbeiki, a former deputy at Iran’s Strategic Research Center, notes the lack of clarity on the US and Israel’s shared objectives. “Israel aims for collapse, while the US appears focused on different goals,” he explained. “This ambiguity leaves the outcome of the war uncertain.”
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
