Iranian exiles in Turkey and Europe express hope that US and Israeli air strikes will weaken Tehran’s regime, despite fears for families and difficult days ahead.
ISTANBUL: Iranian exiles in Turkey expressed a complex mix of jubilation and anxiety following the commencement of US and Israeli air strikes on their homeland.
Many said they supported the military action as a necessary step against a regime they blame for killing protesters, despite fearing for relatives still in Iran.
“War is no good but it’s better than the regime killing our children,” said Reza, a 39-year-old student in Istanbul. He stated he was “happy” US and Israeli warplanes were attacking Iran, viewing it as help against the authorities who cracked down on protests.
The strikes followed heightened tensions and a military build-up in the region, with US President Donald Trump urging Iranians to stand up to their government. Film director Ali echoed the sentiment of hope, claiming people inside Iran were “counting the minutes until America came to destroy the regime.”
Exiles reported managing patchy contact with family despite internet shutdowns inside Iran. Mehdi, an engineer from Tabriz, said his family was aware war was possible and had stored food and fuel, planning to move to rural areas.
“We never wanted war in our country. It is the mullahs’ brutal theocracy that has put us in this situation,” Mehdi told AFP. He expressed a desire for freedom and democracy, not support for Trump or Israel, but acknowledged “very difficult days ahead.”
Some hope the strikes will reignite mass protests that could topple the government. “People are full of anger… This is their best chance,” Reza said. Others looked to exiled opposition figures like Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, for future leadership.
In Europe, diaspora groups held demonstrations expressing solidarity. Around 20 people protested outside the Iranian embassy in Brussels, some holding Iran’s pre-revolution flag.
In London, a march of several hundred people moved toward the Iranian embassy. Organiser Bita hailed an “incredibly positive” mood inside Iran, believing the people would ultimately bring about beneficial regime change.
Small anti-war protests also occurred, with demonstrators chanting “Hands off Iran”. A rally in Berlin denounced both the current government and a return to monarchy, calling instead for “democracy, equality”.
Turkey, which hosts tens of thousands of Iranians, has reported no unusual activity at its 500-kilometre border with Iran so far.
The Sun Malaysia
