Iranian Diaspora Divided Amid Israel Iran Conflict

As Israel and Iran engage in their most intense confrontation to date, Iranians living in Europe find themselves in a state of emotional turmoil. The conflict, sparked by Israel's offensive on Friday, has left many in the diaspora community grappling with a mix of hope for political change and deep concern for the safety of their loved ones back home.

In Frankfurt, Hamid Nasiri, a 45-year-old product developer at a pharmaceutical company, expressed his "mixed feelings" about the ongoing conflict. He views Israel's actions as a potential catalyst for regime change in Iran, a country long criticized for human rights abuses and the suppression of dissent. However, Nasiri also feels a profound sense of sorrow for the Iranian people, who are bearing the brunt of the violence. "When women, children, and now scientists are killed, I find that morally very disturbing," he said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by an Iranian teacher based in Frankfurt, who chose to remain anonymous. She has been unable to reach a friend living in northern Tehran since the conflict began, adding to her anxiety and uncertainty. "Many are caught between hope for change and horror at what is happening right now," she said.

In London, a small group of Iranian diaspora members gathered in front of the Iranian embassy to express their support for Israel's actions. Some waved Israeli flags, while others held up the flag of the Pahlavi dynasty, the ruling house of Iran until the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Maryam Tavakol, a 35-year-old psychology student, stated that she supports Israel's assault as a means to weaken the Islamic Republic. "There is no freedom in Iran, no human rights… We support each act that makes the Islamic republic weaker," she said.

However, not all members of the Iranian diaspora in London share Tavakol's views. Ali, a 49-year-old restaurant worker, expressed his preference for diplomatic resolution over military conflict. "I have never supported the Iranian regime, I don’t like the regime," he said. "But who will suffer? The people… I don’t support anyone who harms kids and people. I’m really upset."

Paria, another London restaurant worker, shared Ali's concerns for the safety of family and friends in Iran. "They are fleeing to the north. We are really worried for them," she said.

The conflict between Israel and Iran has been fueled by decades of tension over Iran's nuclear program. Israel launched a surprise aerial campaign targeting sites across Iran, aiming to prevent its enemy from acquiring atomic weapons. Iran's uranium enrichment has long been a source of concern for the West and Israel, who fear that it is aimed at developing a nuclear bomb. Tehran has consistently denied these allegations.

The Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 224 people, including top military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, according to Iranian authorities. Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel have killed 24 people, according to Israeli authorities.

In Paris, Hamidreza Javdan, a 71-year-old actor and director originally from Tehran, described the Iranian diaspora as "divided" over the conflict. Some members of the community view the attacks as a justified means to bring about political change, while others see it as an unwarranted assault on their homeland. Javdan expressed hope for a change in government but also fears for the safety of his disabled brother, who is unable to quickly leave Tehran.

In Sweden, a 34-year-old lawyer who requested anonymity described the conflict as "abominable." She expressed her desire to see the Iranian regime overthrown but emphasized that this change must come from within Iran, not as a result of foreign intervention. Baharan Kazemi, a 42-year-old Swedish-Iranian children's author, echoed these sentiments, stating that Israel's assault is "indirectly an attack on us too, on our families."

In Berlin, an Iranian translator who wished to remain anonymous expressed her hope that the conflict would lead to the overthrow of the mullah regime. "I hope so much that this war will overthrow the mullah regime. I wish for that so much. Then all the deaths would not have been in vain," she said.