Iranians Who Hoped War Would Bring Change Now Feel "Doomed" Before the U.S. and Israel launched their joint attacks on Iran 25 days ago, many Iranians expressed hope that foreign intervention could end the Islamic Republic’s rule. The regime, which has governed for 47 years, had recently suppressed massive anti-government protests, with President Trump claiming over 30,000 protesters were killed and vowing to support the demonstrators. However, as the war entered its third week, optimism among Iranians has shifted dramatically. Reza, a British-Iranian living abroad, told CBS News that the initial belief in foreign intervention as a solution has faded. “If the world had been more coordinated, with a long-term plan combining force, diplomacy, sanctions, and discussions, it could have worked,” he said. “But unilateral actions by a few countries without a strategy? That’s never going to work. People are realizing they’re doomed.” Reza, who has spoken with others in the Iranian diaspora, described a growing sense of disillusionment. He added that Iran is leveraging the conflict to its advantage, exploiting U.S. indecision. “They know Trump doesn’t have a strategy, so they’re using that to strengthen their position, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, which they see as a global weakness.” Inside Iran, Amir, an anonymous resident, echoed similar sentiments. “Many who supported the war believed it could liberate Iranians from the regime’s control. Now, they’re reconsidering, seeking any chance for a ceasefire, regardless of who leads.” Amir warned of “hellish weeks” ahead, with both the Iranian government and the Trump administration resorting to brinkmanship. He also criticized the Trump administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s calls for Iranians to rise up against the regime.#iran #trump #strait_of_hormuz #amir #reza
