Getty ImagesIranians have been expressing feelings of pride, uncertainty and fear since Iran launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Israel on Tuesday night.
Within minutes of the attack, Persian social media was flooded with trembling videos showing the flash of missiles flying overhead.
Iranian state television showed footage of people cheering in the streets, waving flags and chanting “Death to Israel.”
But the mood online was different, with not everyone expressing support for the attack.
Some shared tense scenes and heated debate about a possible war between the two bitter enemies, whose conflict has largely been fought in the shadows for decades.
The contrasting reactions exposed deep divisions within Iran, with widespread dissatisfaction with religious institutions and frustration with the economic problems caused by sanctions.
On one side of the debate were those who supported government action out of nationalist pride, and on the other side were those who feared war, economic collapse and further suppression of domestic reform movements.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Tuesday’s missile strikes successfully targeted Israeli military and intelligence bases in retaliation for recent killings of leaders of its allies Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military called the attack “indiscriminate” and said that although it was largely prevented by air defense systems, it caused casualties and sent millions of Israelis to bomb shelters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran would pay the price for this “big mistake”.
For many supporters of the Iranian government, the attack represented a proud moment of defiance.
“here you go [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei! Salute to the Revolutionary Guards! a young woman shouted in a video that went viral.
This sentiment has frustrated other Iranians online.
“Please differentiate between the people and the Revolutionary Guards; we are under tremendous pressure,” a middle-aged man pleaded in a video shared on social media.
Some Iranians see the attack as an unnecessary provocation that will only make their lives worse.
“We have no choice but to protect our country, but we are the ones who bear the consequences,” said a worried resident of the capital, Tehran.
Within hours of the attack, there were rumors that Israel might respond by targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure, a vital part of the country’s economy.
Videos quickly surfaced showing overcrowded gas stations and people lining up, scrambling to refuel their vehicles, fearing future shortages.
Getty ImagesThe missile attacks also dampened hopes for diplomatic progress with the West and other countries in the region.
The election of Masoud Pezeshkian as the new president in July sparked optimism among moderates. Some see him as a potential bridge to easing regional tensions.
But a BBC Persian viewer lamented, “This attack is one step closer to diplomacy and one step closer to conflict.”
“I fear that this war may be used as an excuse to intensify the repression of those of us who fight for freedom,” said one young activist, referring to the nationwide “Women, Life, Freedom” protests that erupted two years ago. “Protests.
Many fear the new conflict will not only weaken calls for reform but also allow the government to further suppress internal dissent.
Unlike previous escalations, this time there are growing concerns that Israel may respond with strong retaliation.
Many believe that Israel’s advanced military capabilities could bring unprecedented destruction if a full-scale war broke out.
“No one wants war, not the people, not even the officials,” said one commentator on social media.
This sense of vulnerability makes the situation more dangerous than ever.
Amid rising tensions, some are even calling for regime change.
“The only way to save Iran is not through war, but through overthrowing the current regime,” said another BBC News Farsi viewer, urging the West to support Iranians in their fight against the government.
However, many believe that the country’s future should be determined internally, without any foreign interference, to avoid the potential chaos that outside interference could cause.
