‘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

Initial optimism fading

Weeks have passed without the regime collapsing as expected, yet many Iranians who once cheered the conflict now find themselves questioning its impact. A Tehran resident, who initially backed the war, shared with the BBC:

“We believed the strikes would eliminate key leaders, but now, every night I wake to explosions.”

Her hope has given way to anxiety, reflecting a growing unease among critics of the government.

Humanitarian toll and displacement

The war’s consequences are becoming harder to overlook. According to the UN Refugee Agency, between 600,000 and one million Iranian households have been displaced within the country due to the ongoing conflict, preliminary estimates suggest. This represents up to 3.2 million individuals affected, with the number likely to rise as fighting continues. The scale of disruption has deepened concerns about the human cost.

Uncertainty over the future

For some, the fear is not just of the regime’s survival but of the chaos that might follow. Ali, a 31-year-old shopkeeper injured during January protests, expressed this doubt:

“Everyone talks about ‘regime change’ like it’s a simple switch. But who will take power? What stops the country from falling into chaos, even if they somehow manage to bring the regime down?”

His apprehension mirrors that of others who worry about the stability of Iran post-conflict.

Reassessing the war’s purpose

Sama, a 31-year-old engineer in Tehran, initially welcomed the strikes as a chance to break the regime’s grip.

“For years we have protested. Every time they silence us, they kill us. When the strikes started, I thought, this is what the regime cannot survive.”

But as the weeks stretched, her enthusiasm turned to dread. “Now I see some are terrified. People I know are wondering if their neighborhood will be next,” she said. Sleep has become elusive, with explosions or visions of them haunting her nights.

Fear of prolonged conflict

Mina, a 28-year-old teacher in a northern city, still seeks an end to the clerical leadership but fears the war’s long-term damage.

“This fanatic regime brought us this war, I know. But when you see the 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.”

Her concerns highlight a broader dilemma: whether the conflict’s toll will ultimately outweigh its potential to spark change.