In Iran, hope gives way to fear as conflict rages on
In Iran, hope gives way to fear as conflict rages on
As the US-Israeli bombardment targeting Iran enters its fourth week, the initial optimism surrounding the potential collapse of the Islamic Republic has dimmed. Many Iranians who once anticipated a swift shift in power now grapple with uncertainty, exhaustion, and growing apprehension. DW sought insights from citizens across the country to understand how the regime’s resilience has reshaped expectations.
A Shift in Expectations
At the war’s onset, many Iranians viewed the US-Israeli attacks as a catalyst to destabilize or dismantle the Islamic Republic. US President Donald Trump had even encouraged the Iranian people to “take over your government,” suggesting that this might be their only chance for regime change in generations. However, as the strikes have intensified and civilian targets have expanded, the focus has shifted from hope to concern.
“Despite the destruction, the government remains standing, and this has caused initial assumptions about the war’s outcome to crumble into disappointment and anxiety,” said an anonymous Tehran resident speaking to DW.
The prolonged conflict has disrupted daily life, with citizens forced to endure constant threats to their safety. Even as the government insists on physical attendance at work, many now question the necessity of such exposure. “Failing to show up at work could be seen as defiance, adding more pressure on people,” the anonymous source noted.
The Weight of Civilian Casualties
Images of burning buildings, shattered infrastructure, and smog-choked skies have become emblematic of the war’s toll. The attack on a girls’ school in Minab, a southern city, stands out as a stark symbol of this transformation. What was once seen as a chance for political upheaval now feels like an ongoing burden on Iranian civilians.
For opponents of the clerical regime, the strikes were initially viewed as a potential spark for lasting change. Yet, as bombs continue to fall, the pace of destruction has outstripped any tangible shifts in power. “Destruction spreads quickly, but political change takes time,” observed one individual, highlighting the growing disillusionment among those who once believed in the war’s transformative potential.
Uncertainty and New Challenges
The fog of uncertainty now looms over what comes next. Many fear that if the Islamic Republic endures this phase, it may emerge with unresolved issues and fresh complications: damaged infrastructure, deepening economic strain, persistent sanctions, and a state ready to tighten its grip through increased repression.
Babak Dorbeiki, a former deputy at Iran’s Strategic Research Center, points to divergent goals between Israel and the US. “While Israel seeks collapse, the United States appears focused on different outcomes,” he explained. This ambiguity has left the public questioning the ultimate aim of the conflict and its impact on the nation’s future.
