Negin Nafiss: Iranians Disappointed by Ceasefire Without Regime Change

A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran has sparked a divide among Iranians, with some expressing disappointment that the truce may prevent the collapse of the Islamic Republic.

The current ceasefire follows a period of intense conflict that began approximately 25 days before April 10, 2026, when the U.S. And Israel launched joint attacks on Iran. These military actions occurred after the Iranian government suppressed a wave of anti-government protests, which President Trump claimed resulted in the deaths of more than 30,000 people.

Mixed Reactions to the Ceasefire

While some Iranians have welcomed the end of hostilities, others view the ceasefire as a missed opportunity for regime change. Negin Nafiss stated that Iranians are disappointed by the deal, noting that The war now threatens to end without regime change.

Some individuals who previously viewed foreign intervention as a means to end the 47-year rule of the Islamic Republic now describe the experience as a rude awakening. This shift in sentiment is attributed to a perceived lack of a coordinated international strategy involving Europe and other global powers to combine force, diplomacy, and sanctions.

Concerns have been raised that the Iranian government is utilizing the lack of a clear U.S. Strategy to its advantage, specifically regarding the control of the Strait of Hormuz to exert pressure on the global community.

Diplomatic Deadlock and Demands

The path to the ceasefire was marked by significant diplomatic friction. On March 25, 2026, the Iranian government rejected a proposal from President Trump to end the war.

In response, Iran issued a counterproposal consisting of five conditions that must be met before a permanent resolution is reached. These demands include:

• Payment of war reparations.
• Recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

These demands were publicized by the English branch of Iran’s state broadcaster, Press TV, and shared by Iranian embassies via social media.

Impact of the Conflict

The military campaign has caused significant infrastructure damage within Iran. Reports from March 21, 2026, documented the destruction of residential and commercial buildings in the Shahrak-e Gharb neighborhood of Tehran following attacks on March 16.

The conflict has also extended beyond Iran’s borders, with Israel intensifying operations against Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Simultaneously, the Trump administration has deployed thousands of Army troops and Marines to the region.

Despite the current truce, some analysts suggest that the larger conflict will not truly conclude until the Islamic Republic falls, leaving the current ceasefire in an uncertain state.