Mixed Emotions in Iran After Week of War

Inside Iran, reactions to the recent escalation of the conflict and the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei have been deeply mixed, reflecting the complex and often conflicting emotions felt by many Iranians.

Hamid, a resident of Tehran who asked not to reveal his real name, said he initially felt a surge of joy when he heard the news of Khamenei’s death. According to him, he went outside with his wife and daughter to celebrate, believing it might signal the end of the current political system.

Over the following days, as airstrikes by the United States and Israel hit targets across Tehran, Hamid and his family watched from the rooftop of their home. Each time a strike reportedly hit government-related facilities, he said they cheered, convinced that the attacks could weaken the leadership they oppose.

Hamid shared his thoughts through a relative living in the United Kingdom, explaining that many people like him believe the strikes could bring change. “We now have hope that the regime might soon disappear,” he said.

However, other voices inside the country describe a very different reaction. Journalists from BBC Persian—a platform widely followed by millions of Persian speakers despite being restricted in Iran—have spoken with residents who say the war has left them uncertain and frightened.

With strict internet controls and the presence of security checkpoints, it remains difficult to measure public opinion in a nation of around 90 million people. Authorities have warned residents that internet access could be restricted and that certain communications may lead to legal consequences.

Some Iranians who once hoped for political change now question the motives behind the conflict. Ali, another resident who spoke anonymously, said he does not believe the war is intended to bring freedom to the Iranian people.

Instead, he argued that the conflict may primarily serve geopolitical interests in the region.

Mohammad, a man in his 30s living in Tehran, said he had hoped diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the United States would prevent the war altogether. While he expected to feel relief at the news of Khamenei’s death, he said he ultimately felt nothing.

Today, he describes his main emotion as uncertainty. With airstrikes continuing and security forces active across the city, he said fear has become part of daily life.

Others say they are experiencing a mix of hope, anxiety and grief. One woman explained that many people feel relief when government facilities are targeted but become deeply worried when civilian lives and public infrastructure are affected.

Despite the absence of reliable opinion polling in Iran, analysts suggest that many citizens are frustrated with the government after decades of economic hardship and political repression. Still, opinions remain divided between those who see external pressure as a chance for change and those who strongly distrust foreign intervention.

Supporters of the government have been far less visible in public discussions during the conflict. At the same time, the human cost of the war continues to rise.

One of the deadliest incidents occurred on February 28 in the southern city of Minab, where an airstrike hit an elementary school. The attack reportedly killed several children and remains one of the most tragic events of the conflict so far.

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), more than 1,000 civilians have died since the fighting began, including nearly 200 children.

The war is also reopening painful memories of earlier violence. Earlier this year, security forces carried out a severe crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran, leaving many people traumatized by the bloodshed.

Saman, a resident of Isfahan, said he personally knew six individuals who were killed during those protests. More recently, he lost two relatives in separate airstrikes in Tehran.

He described the current situation in Isfahan as frightening, saying that explosions have left destruction across parts of the city.

“I never imagined that our country would become a place devastated by war,” he said.

As the conflict continues, some residents say their initial reactions have begun to change. A young woman in her 20s from Tehran, who said she felt overwhelming happiness when the attack on the supreme leader was reported, now says the prolonged fighting has left her emotionally exhausted.

“I’m no longer happy or sad,” she said. “I’m simply tired.”