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War's early hopes fade as Iranians grapple with reality
Two weeks into the conflict, many Iranians who initially supported military strikes against their government now question whether the cost will outweigh any potential political change. Explosions and displacement have replaced early optimism, while authorities tighten control over dissent.
From celebration to fear
A Tehran resident, identified only as Sama for safety, described her shifting emotions. When reports first emerged that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in US-Israeli strikes, she said she "screamed in happiness." Now, she wakes nightly to explosions or nightmares about them.
"I thought this is what the regime cannot survive," the 31-year-old engineer told the BBC. "But now I see people terrified, wondering if their neighborhood will be next."
Humanitarian crisis grows
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates up to 3.2 million Iranians-roughly 600,000 to one million households-have been displaced by the fighting. Preliminary assessments warn the number will rise as hostilities continue, deepening humanitarian needs.
Mina, a 28-year-old teacher in northern Iran, said she still wants the clerical establishment gone but fears the war's long-term damage. "When you see massive fires and hear explosions, when you see children crying, you wonder if this will ruin the country you love," she said.
Regime change or ruin?
Some Iranians now question whether the government will fall-or if the country will be left in ruins with the same leadership, only more oppressive. Ali, a 31-year-old shopkeeper injured in January's protests, voiced concerns about instability if the regime collapses.
"Everyone talks about 'regime change' like it's a simple switch. But who will take power? What stops the country from falling into chaos?"
Ali, Tehran shopkeeper
Others argue the war has strengthened authorities' grip. Fatima, a 27-year-old graphic designer, said the government uses external attacks to justify crackdowns. "Criticism has become treason," she said, noting increased paramilitary presence on streets.
Divided opinions persist
Despite growing doubts, some Iranians still see military pressure as the only path to change. Reza, a 40-year-old engineer in Isfahan, cited the deadly suppression of recent protests as proof internal reform is impossible.
"For God's sake, have these people forgotten the piles of body bags of killed protesters? Wasn't that just two months ago?"
Reza, Isfahan engineer
Milad, a software developer in Khuzestan, framed the war as a lesser evil. "I would rather die in these strikes, as long as those who did this to our country die alongside me," he said.
Skepticism toward foreign promises
Even supporters of the strikes question US President Donald Trump's motives. Saeed, a protester in January's unrest, expressed doubt about Trump's pledge to help Iranians "take over your government."
"Is he serious about finishing the job? He says different things every single day."
Saeed, protest participant
With internet shutdowns since February 28 limiting communication, the full scale of public sentiment remains unclear. But for many, the war's early promise of rapid change has given way to uncertainty and fear.
