Iranians who supported war question impact as conflict drags on
Residents in Tehran describe growing fear and anxiety two weeks into the conflict
Some Iranians who initially backed the US-Israeli military strikes on Iran are now reassessing their stance as civilian suffering escalates and hopes for rapid political change fade.
Residents in Tehran describe growing fear and anxiety two weeks into the conflict. Many who had hoped that strikes might topple the ruling clerical establishment now fear their cities could be reduced to ruins while the government remains in power.
Sama, a 31-year-old engineer, said she once celebrated reports of the supposed death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
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"I thought the regime could not survive," she said. But ongoing explosions and uncertainty have left her unable to sleep.
Mina, a 28-year-old teacher, expressed concern over civilian casualties, citing rising displacement.
The UN Refugee Agency estimates that 600,000 to one million households, or up to 3.2 million people, have been temporarily displaced.
Others, including Reza, a 40-year-old engineer in Isfahan, argue that external military pressure may still be the only realistic way to challenge the government, citing years of internal repression and deadly protests.
Yet even among supporters of the strikes, doubts remain about the credibility of promises for regime change.
Saeed, a young protester, said uncertainty about US intentions is growing: "There is no other way but war against this regime, but is the US really serious about finishing the job?"
The ongoing US-Israeli campaign, launched on 28 February, continues to target multiple locations across Iran, intensifying civilian fears and prompting many to question whether the long-term cost of the conflict could outweigh potential political gains.
