War’s Impact: Why Conflict Fails Us
- Despite their opposition to the current Iranian regime, many Iranian activists are condemning the recent Israeli strikes, fearing societal collapse and the destruction of Iran’s infrastructure.
- Sepideh Qolian, a labor activist recently released from Tehran’s Evin Prison, said that war won't bring democracy.
- While many activists harbor deep resentment toward Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Republic, they do not welcome the Israeli strikes.
Iranian activists, despite opposing their regime, are speaking out against Israeli strikes, fearing war’s devastating impact. Many of these activists, connected to the Women, Life, Freedom movement, now prioritize the safety of civilians and Iran’s infrastructure. They see the recent attacks, resulting in the loss of nearly 200 civilian lives, as a threat to a future free from regime control, even as they feel deeply resentful toward their own leaders. This complex situation is explored in detail, showcasing varied views on the violence and its cascading effects. The article presents insights from activists like Sepideh Qolian and Alireza Ghadimi, as well as prominent figures, including nobel laureates, who condemn these actions. For more on the implications of this conflict, which we cover extensively here at News Directory 3, dive into this crucial story. discover what’s next …
Iranian Activists Decry Israeli Strikes amid Regime Opposition
Updated June 17, 2025
Despite their opposition to the current Iranian regime, many Iranian activists are condemning the recent Israeli strikes, fearing societal collapse and the destruction of Iran’s infrastructure. The activists, involved in past movements like the Women, Life, Freedom movement, express concern over the safety of civilians and the potential for widespread devastation. This complex situation highlights the nuanced views within Iran regarding both their own goverment and foreign intervention.
Sepideh Qolian, a labor activist recently released from Tehran’s Evin Prison, said that war won’t bring democracy. She added that the life they wanted is the opposite of current events. She also blamed Iran’s aggressive policies for the country’s predicament.
While many activists harbor deep resentment toward Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Islamic Republic, they do not welcome the Israeli strikes. A 24-year-old activist in Tehran said she took part in many demonstrations during the women, Life, Freedom movement. She added that she is now scared and worried, fearing for her life and everyone around her.
The Israeli strikes have killed nearly 200 civilians, according to Iran’s health ministry. Parnia Abbasi, a 23-year-old poet and English teacher, was killed along with her family in a strike targeting a nearby regime official. Zahra shams, 35, who opposed the enforcement of the hijab, also died in a strike intended for a regime official in her building.
A 26-year-old activist arrested during the 2022-23 protests said she emphatically opposed the Israeli strikes. She said the war goes beyond the regime and has massive negative consequences for the country,destroying the economy and leading to hunger and medicine shortages.She added that it is killing innocent people in both Israel and Iran.
Alireza Ghadimi,a sociology student and activist at the University of Tehran,described the sounds of explosions and frightened voices. He said that this war is not helping them, but destroying them and silencing the very people it claims to save.
From his prison cell, former Deputy Interior Minister Mostafa Tajzadeh condemned the Israeli attacks and called for an immediate cease-fire, while also advocating for a peaceful transition to democracy in Iran. Nobel laureates Shirin Ebadi and Narges Mohammadi, along with other activists, issued a similar call, condemning attacks on civilians by both sides and urging an end to uranium enrichment.
Mehrangiz Kar, an 80-year-old human-rights lawyer now living in Washington, D.C., said that when she sees the Israeli strikes on Iran, she feels like she is seeing the burning of her very own house. She added that this isn’t acceptable, no matter who is doing the attacks, and that no such attack is acceptable under international law.
Kar said she blames Khamenei for making an enemy out of Israel for decades. She added that nobody she spoke to in iran supports these attacks and that people are angry and hate the Islamic Republic, but they now probably hate Mr. Netanyahu and his military policies even more.
What’s next
The situation remains volatile,with the potential for further escalation.The impact of the Israeli strikes on the Iranian regime and the future of the democracy movement remains uncertain, as activists grapple with the immediate threat to their safety and the long-term consequences for their country.