The Islamic Republic has always had the habit of using its cities and walls to promote its ideology with great superlatives. More than two weeks after the rain of drones launched against Israel, the streets of Tehran are still full of posters and panels praising what the government presents as an immense victory against its sworn enemy. “The world’s largest missile attacks on Israel” Or “Iran’s decisive and overwhelming response against the occupiers” are currently among the most widespread slogans. Just after the attack on April 13 and 14, celebrations and rallies were organized by the Basij militia (linked to the Revolutionary Guards, the regime’s ideological army) in Tehran and in several cities, such as Karaj, Mashhad and Isfahan, to declare victory.
But the Iranian and Palestinian flags, or the chants spewed from the loudspeakers, were not enough to change the disdainful and disapproving outlook of many Iranians on the war, relieved that the airstrikes did not cause any casualties, avoiding thus reprisals and even open conflict which would harm the economy and their daily lives. “The government sees its operation as a success, but there is nothing to celebrate,” judges Parmis Roshan, who is sipping coffee with her boyfriend in the center of the capital, near a pro-government rally. The 22-year-old Tehranese, whose appearance – flowing hair and colorful outfit – stands out, is surprised to see the regime’s supporters avidly following the information on the war. “I don’t understand the attitude of the government and its supporters. War and bloodshed only make the situation worse,” adds Parmis.
“We promised to take revenge”
Next to her, a young woman in a black chador distributes candy to passers-by. Motahareh Hosseinzadeh came to the streets with her husband to support Palestinian Hamas and the Revolutionary Guards. “The hour of Israel’s destruction has finally come, she says. This is the power of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I congratulate our leader and all believers. » Like her, the commanders of the Revolutionary Guards repeat in interview after interview that the Jewish state represents a danger. “The Zionist regime was already hated throughout the world and has become even more so since the resistance, supported by the Islamic Republic, surprised the whole world,” declared sardar Mojtaba Fada, in an interview with state media. For this commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Israel made a serious mistake by attacking the Iranian consulate in Damascus in Syria on April 1. “Iran responded to this attack 12 days later so as not to play into Netanyahu’s hands. We promised revenge. »
While state media claims that the missiles hit their targets – although most were intercepted by the Israeli air defense system – some Iranians denounce the ineffectiveness of the operation. “They spent it all out of pride, estimates Parham Eimani, 30, a high school teacher in southern Tehran. But this is detrimental to us, everyone is now wondering whether Iran will really refrain from using nuclear weapons if it acquires them. The government’s choices validate the idea that the use of nuclear knowledge will not be peaceful. adds the teacher who has published several articles on the Internet on the consequences of the Iranian attack. A move that could get him into trouble and expose him to prosecution. Many Iranians have received warnings or been arrested by intelligence and cyber surveillance services after writing mocking tweets about the Iranian attack.
