The missile attack exposes deep divisions among Iranians

Iranians have been expressing a mixture of pride, uncertainty and fear since their country launched a massive ballistic missile attack on Israel on Tuesday night.

Within minutes of the attack, Persian social media was flooded with moving videos showing the flash of missiles flying overhead.

Iranian state television broadcast images of groups of people cheering in the streets, waving flags and chanting “Death to Israel”.

But the situation was different on the Internet, not everyone expressed support for the attack.

Others shared tense scenes and heated debates about a possible war between the archenemies, after decades of keeping their conflict mostly in the shadows.

The mixed reactions have revealed deep divisions in Iran, where there is widespread discontent with the clerical establishment and frustration with economic problems caused by sanctions.

On one side of the debate are those who support the government’s actions with nationalistic pride, while on the other are those who fear wars, economic collapse and further suppression of domestic reform movements.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Tuesday’s missile strike effectively targeted Israeli military and intelligence facilities and that it was in retaliation for the recent killings of leaders of its allies Hamas and Hezbollah.

Israel’s military described the attack as “indiscriminate” and said that despite heavy air defenses, there were casualties and millions of Israelis were sent running to bomb shelters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Iran will pay for a “big mistake”.

For many supporters of the Iranian government, the attack represented a proud moment of defiance.

“Bravo of course [Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali] Khamenei! Bravo to the Revolutionary Guards!” shouted a young woman in the clip that went viral.

Such a sentiment frustrated some Iranians online.

“Please distinguish between the people and the Revolutionary Guards; we are under a lot of pressure,” pleaded a middle-aged man in a video shared on social media.

Some Iranians feel that the strike is an unnecessary provocation that will only make their lives worse.

“We have no choice but to defend our country, but we are the ones who face the consequences,” said a concerned resident of the capital, Tehran.

In the hours following these strikes, rumors emerged that Israel might respond by targeting Iran’s oil infrastructure, which is an important part of the country’s economy.

Videos soon appeared showing full gas stations with long queues of people rushing to fill up their cars, fearing future shortages.

This missile attack also reduced the prospects of progress in relations with the West and other countries in the region.

The election of Masoud Pezeshkian as the new president in July had given hope to those with limited views. Some people saw him as a bridge that could ease regional tensions.

But one BBC Persian viewer lamented that “this attack is another step away from diplomacy and a step closer to conflict”.

“I am afraid that this war may be used as an excuse to intensify the abuse of us, who are fighting for freedom,” said the young activist, referring to the national protests “Woman, Life, Freedom” that broke out two years ago.

Many worry that the new conflict will not only undermine calls for reform, but also give the government the power to further suppress internal dissent.

Unlike after the previous escalation, this time there is a growing fear of a strong retaliatory response from Israel.

And many believe that Israel’s advanced military might could bring unprecedented destruction if a major war breaks out.

“No one wants war, not the people, not even the officials,” said a commentator on social media.

This sense of vulnerability made the situation feel more critical than ever.

Amid growing chaos, some people even called for a change of government.

“The only way to save Iran is not by war, but by overthrowing the existing regime,” said one BBC News Persian viewer, urging the West to support the Iranian people in their struggle against the regime.

However, many believe that the future of the country should be decided internally, without foreign intervention, in order to avoid the chaos that foreign interference may cause.