Missile attack on Israel lays bare deep divisions among Iranians

On a recent Tuesday night, Iran launched nearly 200 missiles towards Israel, which claimed to have intercepted most of them. This significant military action has stirred a mix of emotions among Iranians, including pride, fear, and uncertainty. As the missiles were launched, social media in Iran quickly filled with shaky videos capturing the bright flashes of missiles soaring through the sky. State television broadcast images of groups of people celebrating in the streets, waving flags and chanting 'Death to Israel'. However, the online sentiment was not entirely supportive; many individuals expressed concern and engaged in heated discussions about the potential for war between these long-time adversaries. The contrasting reactions highlighted the deep divisions within Iran, where widespread discontent with the clerical establishment exists alongside frustration over economic hardships caused by international sanctions. On one side of the debate are those who feel a sense of national pride in supporting the government's actions, while on the other side are those who fear the consequences of war, economic collapse, and further suppression of domestic reform movements. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced that the missile strike was aimed at Israeli military and intelligence bases, claiming it was a retaliation for the recent killings of leaders from their allies, Hamas and Hezbollah. The Israeli military described the attack as 'indiscriminate', stating that while they had largely thwarted the missile assault, there were still casualties, and millions of Israelis were forced to seek shelter. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran would face consequences for what he termed a 'big mistake'. For many supporters of the Iranian government, the missile attack was a moment of defiance and pride. A young woman was seen in a viral video shouting, 'Bravo to Khamenei! Bravo to the Revolutionary Guards! ' This sentiment, however, frustrated many others in Iran. A middle-aged man in a video shared on social media pleaded, 'Please distinguish between the people and the Revolutionary Guards; we are under immense pressure. ' Some Iranians viewed the missile strike as an unnecessary provocation that would only worsen their lives. A concerned resident from Tehran stated, 'We have no choice but to protect our country, but we are the ones who suffer the consequences. ' In the hours following the strikes, rumors began to circulate that Israel might retaliate by targeting Iran's oil infrastructure, a crucial part of the country's economy. Videos quickly emerged showing long lines of people at petrol stations as they rushed to fill their vehicles, fearing future shortages. Supporters of Iran's government celebrated in the streets after learning about the missile attack. The missile strike has also diminished hopes for diplomatic progress with the West and other countries in the region. The election of Masoud Pezeshkian as the new president in July had sparked optimism among those with moderate views, as some saw him as a potential bridge to easing regional tensions. However, one viewer of BBC Persian lamented, 'This attack is another step away from diplomacy and a step closer to conflict. ' A young activist expressed concern that this war might be used as an excuse to intensify the crackdown on those fighting for freedom, referring to the nationwide 'Woman, Life, Freedom' protests that erupted two years ago. Many worry that a new conflict could undermine calls for reform and empower the government to further suppress internal dissent. Unlike previous escalations, there is now a growing fear of a potentially strong retaliatory response from Israel. Many believe that Israel's advanced military capabilities could bring unprecedented destruction if a full-scale war were to break out. A commentator on social media remarked, 'No one wants war, not the people, not even the officials. ' This sense of vulnerability has made the situation feel more precarious than ever before. Amid the growing tensions, some individuals have even called for regime change. One viewer of BBC News Persian stated, 'The only way to save Iran is not through war, but through toppling the current regime,' urging the West to support Iranians in their struggle against the government. However, many believe that the future of the country should be determined internally, free from any foreign intervention, to avoid the potential chaos that outside interference might cause.